Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The All Progressives Congress has officially opened its nomination process for the 2027 general elections, announcing that forms are now available to all eligible members without restriction.
The declaration was made Tuesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, shortly after the 186th meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Briefing journalists alongside the National Leader for Persons With Disabilities, Tolu Bankole, Meseko unveiled a revised timetable for primaries, congresses and other electoral activities, aligned with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said the updated schedule, already transmitted to INEC, underscores the party’s preparedness for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Under the new timetable, sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4. Screening of aspirants for State Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship positions is fixed for May 6 to May 8, with presidential screening slated for May 9.
Screening results will be published on May 11, followed by appeals from May 12 to May 13.
Primary elections will begin with the House of Representatives on May 15, Senate on May 18, State House of Assembly on May 20, governorship on May 21, and presidential primaries on May 23. Appeals for the exercises will run immediately after, ending with the presidential appeals on May 25.
Meseko dismissed speculations of restricted access to forms, insisting the process is open and inclusive.
“All aspirants seeking offices under the APC are free to obtain nomination forms. It is not reserved for a select few,” he said.
The move is expected to calm internal tensions and reinforce confidence in the party’s democratic process.
The APC also retained both consensus and direct primary options, noting that while consensus may be adopted where agreed, any dispute among aspirants will automatically trigger direct primaries. He emphasized that no aspirant would be compelled into a consensus arrangement.
In addition, the NWC approved the timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara State, scheduled to run from April 28 to May 3, 2026.
Meseko further disclosed that the party’s updated membership register, including new entrants, has been submitted to INEC in compliance with regulations.
He assured that the party’s internal structures have been strengthened to ensure smooth conduct of primaries nationwide, declaring the APC fully prepared for the 2027 elections.
The announcement signals the start of heightened political activity within the ruling party as aspirants across the country gear up for the race to 2027.
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