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| Photo Credit: Punch |
Now pushing back their race picks, the APC adjusts dates for president and state hopefuls under a new plan tied to 2027 votes. Though meant to steady the process, timing shifts ripple through candidate plans without clear pause.
Fresh off the gathering in Abuja, Duro Mesoko - party deputy in charge of publicity - shared updates Thursday following the 186th National Working Committee session.
Now set for May 23, 2026, the presidential primary moves from its original May 15 and 16 plan. Slotted two days earlier, the governorship contests take place on May 21 that year.
Meseko said changes were needed so the party's plans would match the new schedule from the electoral body. That update came after officials set a window - April 23 to May 30, 2026 - for all parties to hold candidate selections.
“We now have a new revised timetable in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the INEC revised timetable for the 2027 general elections,” Meseko said.
It would take more time, he said, for the party to run a clear primary in every state - all thirty six plus the capital district. Though details were still unfolding, getting it right mattered most.
Starting Saturday, April 25, nomination forms go on sale - this move comes straight from the party’s National Organising Secretary. Running until May 2, the window gives hopefuls just under a week to grab one. Turned-in forms must land by May 4, no later. That date stands firm.
Starting May 6, those aiming for governorships, state assemblies, or national legislative seats face review - this step lasts through May 8. Come May 9, it is presidential candidates' turn under scrutiny.
On May 11, the party plans to release screening outcomes. Starting the next day, appeals will move forward - lasting through the 13th.
Here comes every single primary election date, laid out one by one
Friday May 15 House Primaries
Monday May 18 Senate Primaries
Wednesday May 20 State House of Assembly primaries
Thursday May 21 Governorship Primaries
Saturday May 23 Presidential Primary
One way works straight. The group picks together another time. Choices shift depending on need
Meseko pointed out the group followed both direct selection and agreement-based picks, just like the 2026 election law allows. When everyone can’t agree, he added, they fall back on open voting instead.
“The party will prioritise use of consensus where possible to reduce acrimony, but where no agreement is reached, direct primaries will be conducted in all wards,” he said.
Some people thought only a few would get the chance to apply, but he made clear that wasn’t true.
“I am here to inform all party faithful and aspirants that nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the All Progressives Congress are available for all, not exclusively reserved for any individual,” Meseko stated.
Now comes a delay, stirring varied responses across party figures. Not every hopeful welcomes this change - some point to heavier expenses in running their campaigns, along with longer waits without clear outcomes.
A governorship aspirant from one of the north-western states, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We have already spent money on logistics based on the earlier dates. This postponement means additional expenses.”
Yet excitement spread among rival party figures, who saw deeper checks on candidates becoming possible while legal battles post-nomination could fade. Still, doubts lingered behind closed doors about how smoothly it would actually work in practice.
A member of the NWC, who also requested anonymity, told reporters: “It is better to delay a little and get it right than to rush and have multiple court cases after the primaries.”
Mark your calendar - the big vote for president and lawmakers lands on January 16, 2027. That date comes straight from the Independent National Electoral Commission. A few weeks later, on February 6, voters will pick governors and state legislators.
Not long after the voting office set a time frame - April 23 to May 30, 2026 - for party candidate picks, the APC adjusted its schedule. Their new plan fits just inside those dates.
By June 15, 2026, political parties must hand over candidate lists - INEC made that clear. Meeting it should be doable for the APC under the revised timeline.
Implications for President Tinubu and Other Candidates
Word has it the president might go for another round in 2027. So far, though, Bola Tinubu hasn’t said yes or no in public. Rumors have been floating around for some time now. Still, nothing official has come out of Aso Rock on this matter.
Later moving the presidential primary to May 23 means Tinubu can wait a bit longer before choosing. Because of this shift, others who might run - like certain governors and ex-ministers - now have extra days to talk to delegates.
Some experts think this change might weaken the group's power to settle land-use fights before primary elections.
“The APC has always struggled with zoning between north and south. A longer window may help, but it could also deepen divisions,” said political analyst Jide Ojo in an interview.
Next week’s planned gathering of the APC's national executive committee got pushed back alongside the primaries. A fresh timeline remains unclear.
Now until later this week, those wanting to join can still submit their interest. A bit more time helps others step forward too.
Back in January, President Tinubu made the Electoral Act 2026 official through signing. That new law brought shifts to how primary elections work. Instead of leaving it up to chance, parties must now pick direct primaries or go with an indirect method. Timelines for choosing candidates have been tightened under clear rules.
Now comes a rule letting INEC watch how parties pick their candidates, tossing out anyone chosen the wrong way. Moving ahead, the APC adjusted its schedule because of this shift.
Beginning April 25, hopeful applicants can pick up application papers at the party's main office in Abuja or through approved banks across the country.
Study the updated schedule closely says the group told candidates. Meeting every cutoff matters now since timing shifted without warning. One slip could delay everything so check twice before moving forward.
“Any aspirant who fails to submit their forms by May 4 will not be considered. There will be no extension,” Meseko warned.
Now comes a delay. The APC pushes back its presidential and governorship primaries, aiming to match INEC's rules while calming tensions within. Some hopefuls grumble behind closed doors. Still, top officials argue this move protects both unity and fairness down the line.
With fresh dates drawing near, attention turns to how well the party handles its upcoming primary process before the 2027 national vote. Though expectations run high, the real test lies in whether ballots are open, clearly managed, without bias. While past attempts showed flaws, this round could shift public trust - if steps are seen as honest. Since credibility hangs in the balance, every move gains weight. Because voters watch closely, even small missteps may spread fast. When results come through, they must feel solid, not questioned