The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the rescheduling of its primary elections for the House of Representatives from Friday, May 15, to Saturday, May 16, 2025. The decision was communicated in a statement by Felix Morka, the party's publicity secretary, on Thursday, May 14. Morka confirmed that all other primary election dates remain unchanged, including those for the State House of Assembly, Senate, governorship, and presidential elections.
New Schedule for Primaries
According to Morka, the House of Representatives primaries will now take place on Saturday, May 16. The Senate primaries are scheduled for Monday, May 18, while the State House of Assembly primaries will be held on Wednesday, May 20. Governorship primaries are set for Thursday, May 21, and the presidential primaries remain on Saturday, May 23, as previously outlined in the party's timetable. The APC did not provide an official reason for the postponement.
Sources Reveal Reasons for Postponement
However, sources close to the party's internal activities disclosed that the one-day shift was due to delays in resolving issues raised by some aspirants regarding their screening. The sources also indicated that APC officials needed additional time to travel to various states for monitoring the primaries. According to a source, members with screening problems have been contacted, and most issues have been addressed. The results of the screening are expected to be released before the primaries commence on Saturday.
Kalu Insists on Direct Primaries
In a related development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, stated that the APC in Abia State will not grant automatic tickets to aspirants in the party primaries. Speaking during a pre-primary election stakeholders engagement at the APC secretariat in Umuahia on Thursday, Kalu warned against any attempt to secure the APC ticket through irregular means. He emphasized that all aspirants must follow due process. The APC primaries are part of the party's preparations for the 2027 general elections, with President Bola Tinubu expected to seek the party's ticket for the presidential race.
Wike Clarifies Visit to APC National Chairman
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, explained that his recent visit to APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was personal and not politically motivated. Wike made this clarification while inspecting projects in Abuja, stating that Yilwatda was a colleague before assuming the party leadership role.
