The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced the start of the sale of nomination forms for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party confirmed that the process will begin on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and forms will be available until May 2, 2026, in accordance with its revised timetable.
APC Begins Sale of Forms, Announces How Primaries Will Be Done
The announcement came after the 186th meeting of the party's National Working Committee (NWC), where officials also confirmed that the updated schedule has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Submission and Screening Timelines Outlined
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Durosinmi Meseko stated that the deadline for submitting completed forms is May 4, 2026. He explained that screening for governorship and legislative aspirants will take place between May 6 and May 8, while presidential aspirants will be screened on May 9.
Primaries Scheduled Across Categories
According to the party, primary elections will begin on May 15 with the House of Representatives, followed by the Senate on May 18 and State Assembly on May 20. Governorship primaries are scheduled for May 21, and the presidential primary will be held on May 23.
APC Insists Forms Are Open to All Aspirants
Addressing concerns about alleged restrictions, Meseko dismissed claims that nomination forms were limited to selected individuals. He said, "Nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are open. Forms are available for all members contesting elections. There is no limitation or restriction."
Party Adopts Hybrid Primary System
The NWC also clarified that the party will adopt a combination of direct and consensus methods for its primaries. However, it stressed that the consensus option must be unanimously accepted by all aspirants; otherwise, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries. Meseko stated, "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 defaults to the direct mode."
Zamfara Restructuring and Membership Update Announced
The party further disclosed plans to begin internal congresses in Zamfara State, covering ward, local government, and state levels, starting April 28. It also confirmed that updated membership registers, including newly registered members, have been submitted to INEC. Meseko concluded, "The All Progressives Congress is now fully ready for the upcoming primary elections."
