APC sets a two-week deadline for presidential, gubernatorial, and NASS forms!

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party, has officially announced the pivotal dates for its upcoming primary elections leading up to the 2027 general elections. On May 16 and May 23, 2026, the party will hold its presidential and governorship primary elections, respectively. This strategic move was publicly shared by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Monday, detailing the party’s comprehensive electoral timetable, which is signed by the National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the announcement is the financial commitment required from aspiring candidates. Those seeking the presidential nomination will have to part with a substantial sum of N100 million for their expression of interest and nomination forms. Meanwhile, governorship contestants face a fee of N50 million, candidates vying for the Senate will pay N20 million, and those contesting for the House of Representatives can expect to shell out N10 million. This tiered payment structure reflects the APC’s serious approach to vetting its candidates.

Further reinforcing the electoral timeline, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and national assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, with the governorship and state houses of assembly elections set for Saturday, February 6, 2027. INEC has also outlined a window for party primaries that spans from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026, during which any disputes arising will need to be resolved.

In a related vein, the official campaign period for the presidential and National Assembly elections is slated to kick off on August 19, 2026. The campaigns for the governorship and state houses of assembly elections will begin shortly thereafter, on September 9, 2026.

According to the APC’s timetable, the sale of nomination forms will be available from April 25 to May 2 at the party’s national headquarters located in Wuse II, Abuja. Aspirants have until May 4 to submit their completed forms. The candidates will face a screening process, with presidential aspirants scheduled for May 9 and other aspirants being screened between May 6 and May 8. There will also be additional screening sessions on May 12 and May 13 to ensure that all candidates meet the eligibility criteria.

The timeline reflects the structured approach of the APC, where primary elections are slated for May 18 for House of Representatives candidates, May 20 for Senate contenders, and May 21 for State House of Assembly aspirants. Interestingly, State House of Assembly aspirants will pay a reduced fee of N6 million for both the expression of interest and nomination forms. To promote inclusivity, female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will only need to pay for the expression of interest form and 50% of the nomination fees for their respective positions.

In his statement, Morka emphasized the APC’s commitment to the integrity of the electoral process, assuring members and the general public of the party’s dedication to conducting credible and transparent primary elections. This commitment aims to bolster the party’s internal democracy and reinforce its progressive ideals.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also made headlines on Monday by adopting a timetable for its own 2027 general election activities, setting the stage for nationwide primaries. The PDP has experienced significant internal turmoil characterized by factional divisions, with one bloc led by Tanimu Turaki, supported by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and the opposing faction under Mohammed, backed by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Both factions have sought legal recourse, filing multiple court cases as they navigate control over the party. Nonetheless, party spokesperson Haruna Mohammed Jungudo assured that a comprehensive timetable would be made public by the National Working Committee once all administrative processes are completed.

During the 108th NEC meeting, held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the PDP expressed confidence that it has emerged from its recent crisis, with claims that “the era of uncertainty is over.” The party insisted that it remains “strong, united, and formidable,” dispelling rumors of disarray among its ranks.

In a formal communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by Jungudo, the NEC reiterated its support for the newly elected National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed. They emphasized the necessity for internal reconciliation among disgruntled members and stakeholders, advocating for dialogue in alignment with established party structures and democratic norms.

In preparation for the 2027 elections, the NEC also confirmed a detailed timetable for party primaries, including the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms. Leadership within the party was urged to adhere strictly to the established schedule to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible nomination process. Full compliance with guidelines issued by INEC was emphasized, particularly concerning the submission of membership registers, the conduct of primaries, and mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Party leaders and stakeholders are encouraged to commence preparations for state primaries immediately, with a firm focus on adhering to statutory and internal regulations to facilitate a smooth and inclusive process. Regarding internal reforms, the NEC endorsed ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration) as a crucial initiative aimed at modernizing the party’s database, enhancing transparency, and bolstering grassroots participation.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, reiterated his loyalty to the PDP, affirming his commitment to the party after more than two decades. He lauded the National Working Committee for reclaiming the party’s National Secretariat, describing this achievement as a testament to legitimacy, and called for intensified reconciliation efforts to welcome back members who may have defected during periods of discord.

Wike urged for increased transparency and openness in party affairs to foster trust among returning members and rebuild internal confidence. Echoing similar sentiments, National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed noted that the PDP has successfully navigated its leadership challenges and is now approaching election preparations with a strategic focus and determination.

In a contrasting viewpoint, the Tanimu Turaki-led NWC National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong criticized the recent NEC meeting, branding it a convergence of APC sympathizers posing as PDP members. Ememobong contended that while individuals have the right to gather under any pretense, the realities of political allegiances should not be ignored. He maintained that these gatherings should be viewed skeptically since the PDP remains an opposition party, awaiting its turn in government.

As political maneuvers unfold, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is also seeking a consensus approach to select its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi shared this vision during an appearance on Arise TV, indicating the party’s preference for consensus over direct primaries due to cost considerations. He stated, “We are trying as much as possible to adopt the consensus approach because that is the least costly for us. For us, the best-case scenario is to be able to engineer consensus, and that’s what we are working on.”

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how these plans unfold, setting the stage for Nigeria’s dynamic electoral future.