The All Progressives Congress has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, as part of adjustments to its timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The party also fixed its governorship primaries for May 21, 2026, moving away from the earlier dates of May 15 and 16.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, announced the changes on Thursday after the 186th National Working Committee meeting in Abuja, saying the review aligns with electoral guidelines.
“We now have a revised timetable in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026 and the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable for the 2027 elections,” Meseko said.
He disclosed that the sale of nomination forms would run from April 25 to May 2, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4.
Screening of aspirants for various offices, including presidential hopefuls, has also been adjusted.
“Screening for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship aspirants will hold between May 6 and May 8, while presidential aspirants will be screened on May 9,” he said.
According to him, publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, with appeals to follow between May 12 and May 13.
Meseko outlined the sequence of primary elections, noting that contests will begin with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18 and State Houses of Assembly on May 20.
“Governorship primaries will hold on May 21, while the presidential primary has now been fixed for May 23,” he added.
He also clarified the modes of primaries to be adopted by the party.
“We have adopted both direct and consensus primaries as provided in the Electoral Act. Aspirants are free to choose, but where consensus fails, it automatically reverts to direct primaries,” Meseko said.
The party dismissed speculations that nomination forms would be restricted.“Forms are open to all aspirants. They are not reserved for any individual,” he stated.
Meseko further announced a separate timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning April 28.
Meanwhile, the electoral body has fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.
INEC said party primaries are expected to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with campaigns for national elections starting August 19, and those for state elections commencing September 9, 2026.