APC Shifts Presidential Primary to May 23, Reviews 2027 Election Timetable

ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress has revised the party’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, rescheduling its presidential primary to May 23.

The adjustment was confirmed to journalists in Abuja on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, following the 186th meeting of the NWC.

He disclosed that the presidential primary, initially slated for May 15, will now hold on Saturday, May 23, alongside other updated dates in the revised electoral schedule.

Meseko said the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for all elective positions remains open to aspiring party members across the country, stressing that the process is inclusive and accessible.

He explained that the changes became necessary to ensure compliance with the amended Constitution, the 2026 Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“This is the newest timetable reflecting updated legal and procedural requirements,” Meseko stated.

He added that the revised timetable has been formally communicated to INEC in line with established electoral regulations.

According to the updated schedule, the sale of nomination forms will commence on Saturday, April 25, and end on Saturday, May 2, while the deadline for submission of completed forms has been fixed for Monday, May 4.

Screening of aspirants across all levels—from House of Assembly to presidential candidates—will take place between May 6 and May 9, with the presidential screening scheduled for May 9. Results for all categories are expected to be released on Monday, May 11.

Meseko further explained that party primaries would be conducted in phases, covering legislative, senatorial, governorship and presidential elections on different dates.

He dismissed reports suggesting that nomination forms had been restricted, insisting that the process remains open to all qualified aspirants within the party.

“I am here to inform all party faithful that nomination forms are open to all aspirants seeking elective offices,” he said.

On the mode of primaries, he noted that the NWC adopted both direct and consensus options as permitted by the Electoral Act, depending on prevailing circumstances.

He emphasised that consensus arrangements must reflect agreement among aspirants and key stakeholders before adoption by party structures.

“Where consensus fails or is rejected by any aspirant, the party automatically reverts to direct primary elections,” he explained.

Meseko added that state chapters have been empowered to determine the most suitable mode of primaries for their respective states.

In Zamfara State, he disclosed that internal party congresses have been scheduled, beginning with ward, local government and state-level exercises from April 28.

“Ward congresses will hold on April 30, while state congresses and appeal processes are expected to conclude by May 3,” he said.

He assured party members that the updated national membership register, including new entrants, has been transmitted to INEC.

According to him, the APC is fully prepared for its 2027 primary elections, having completed all necessary administrative and regulatory procedures.