The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed May 16 and May 23, 2026, for the conduct of its presidential and governorship primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this on Monday, noting that the timetable was signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu.
According to the schedule, presidential aspirants are to pay ₦100 million for expression of interest and nomination forms, while governorship aspirants will pay ₦50 million. Senate aspirants are to pay ₦20 million, and House of Representatives aspirants ₦10 million. State House of Assembly aspirants will pay ₦6 million.
Female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are required to pay only for the expression of interest form and 50 percent of the nomination fees for their respective positions.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
INEC also stated that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
As outlined in the APC timetable, the sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2 at the party’s national headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja, with May 4 set as the deadline for submission.
Screening of presidential aspirants is scheduled for May 9, while other aspirants will be screened between May 6 and May 8, with additional screening slated for May 12 and May 13.
Primary elections for various positions will be held as follows: House of Representatives on May 18, Senate on May 20, and State Houses of Assembly on May 21.
Morka assured party members of the APC’s commitment to conducting credible and transparent primaries, stating that the exercise would strengthen internal democracy and consolidate the party’s progressive ideals.
PDP, ADC Outline Plans
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has adopted a timetable for its 2027 election activities.
The committee emphasized reconciliation among aggrieved members, urging that disputes be resolved through dialogue and in line with democratic principles and party structures.
As part of its preparations, the PDP approved a comprehensive timetable for primaries, including the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, and directed all party organs to strictly adhere to the schedule to ensure transparency.
The NEC also stressed compliance with INEC guidelines, particularly regarding membership registers, conduct of primaries, and dispute resolution.
Party leaders were urged to begin immediate preparations for state primaries while adhering to statutory provisions and internal regulations.
On internal reforms, the NEC endorsed the ongoing electronic membership registration, describing it as a step toward improving transparency, strengthening grassroots participation, and modernizing the party’s database.
In his remarks, Nyesom Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stating he has no intention of leaving the party after more than two decades of membership. He also called for greater transparency and intensified reconciliation efforts to rebuild internal confidence.
National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed stated that the PDP has overcome its leadership challenges and is now focused on electoral preparation and consolidation.
However, reacting to the meeting, a faction aligned with Tanimu Turaki, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the gathering as illegitimate. He described participants as “APC apologists” and urged Nigerians to disregard their decisions.
According to him, the PDP remains an opposition party and warned members against aligning with individuals allegedly sympathetic to the ruling party.
ADC Considers Consensus Option
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has indicated that it is considering adopting a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known during an appearance on Arise TV, stating that consensus remains the preferred and least costly option.
He explained that while the party still retains provisions for direct primaries, it is prioritizing consensus arrangements, noting that indirect primaries are no longer applicable following amendments to the Electoral Act.
Abdullahi added that the party is working toward building agreement among stakeholders as part of its strategy for the upcoming elections.
