The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress has revised its timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the date of its presidential primary to May 23.
The decision was announced on Thursday in Abuja after a meeting at the party’s national secretariat.
Speaking to journalists, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, said the adjustment was necessary to align with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act 2026, and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the revised schedule, the presidential primary earlier slated for May 15 will now hold on Saturday, May 23, while timelines for other elective positions have also been adjusted.
Meseko disclosed that the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for all positions would begin on Saturday, April 25, and end on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Submission of completed forms is expected to close on Monday, May 4.
The screening of aspirants across all levels—from State Houses of Assembly to the presidency—is scheduled to take place between May 6 and May 9, with presidential aspirants to be screened on May 9.
Results of the screening exercise will be published on May 11.
Under the updated timetable, primary elections will commence with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by Senate primaries on May 18.
State House of Assembly primaries are fixed for May 20, while governorship primaries will hold on May 21, culminating in the presidential primary on May 23.
The party also clarified that nomination forms remain open to all members, dismissing speculations that access could be restricted.
“I am here to inform all party faithful and aspirants that expression of interest and nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the All Progressives Congress are open,” Meseko said.
On the mode of primaries, he explained that the party would adopt both direct and consensus options as provided by law, stressing that consensus arrangements must have the full agreement of all aspirants.
“Where there is consensus and an aspirant does not agree, it automatically reverts to direct primaries.
”The consensus option must be agreed to by all aspirants; if not, it reverts to direct primaries,” he added.
The NWC also addressed internal party matters in Zamfara State, announcing that ward, local government, and state congresses would begin on April 28, with ward congresses scheduled for April 30 and the entire process concluding on May 3.
The party further confirmed that its updated membership register, including newly registered members, has been transmitted to INEC, expressing readiness to proceed with the primary election process ahead of the 2027 polls.
