The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed May 23 for its presidential primary election as part of a newly released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
The party disclosed this at a press briefing after its 186th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, where it also dismissed rumours of restrictions on the sale of nomination forms, insisting that the process remains open to all eligible aspirants.
Presenting the revised timetable on Thursday, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Duro Meseko, said the schedule aligns with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the party, the sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while the deadline for submission of completed forms has been fixed for May 4.
Screening of aspirants for various offices—including State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential positions—will take place between May 6 and May 9, with presidential aspirants scheduled for screening on May 9.
The publication of screening results is set for May 11, while appeals will be entertained from May 12 to May 13.
The timetable shows that primary elections for the House of Representatives will be held on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18, the State House of Assembly on May 20, and the governorship primaries on May 21. The presidential primary will conclude the exercise on May 23.
Post-primary appeals are scheduled between May 18 and May 25, depending on the category of election.
On the mode of primaries, the APC said it has adopted both direct and consensus options as provided by law. However, it clarified that where consensus fails or is rejected by any aspirant, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries.
Addressing concerns over alleged hoarding or restriction of nomination forms, the party leadership emphasised that forms are available to all aspirants without discrimination.
“Nomination forms are open to all members of the APC contesting elections. There is no restriction,” the Deputy National Publicity Secretary stated, urging members to disregard speculations suggesting otherwise.
The NWC also announced a separate timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning April 28, 2026. Ward congresses are scheduled for April 30, while appeals arising from the exercises will be concluded by May 3.
On membership registration, the party confirmed that it has transmitted an updated register of newly registered members to INEC, in compliance with regulatory requirements. He, however, could not state the number of registered members.
The APC declared that it is fully prepared for the forthcoming primary elections, expressing confidence in its readiness to conduct a credible and transparent process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
