APC Shifts 2027 Presidential Primary to May 25, Governorship to May 23

The All Progressives Congress (APC) recalibrates its political calendar, announcing a revised timetable for the 2027 general election primaries. The party now fixes its crucial presidential primary for Monday, May 25, 2026, while the governorship primary moves to Saturday, May 23, 2026. This adjustment marks a significant shift from the previously announced May 15 date for the presidential contest, signaling a condensed and intense period for political bigwigs aiming for party tickets.

Durosinmi Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed the new schedule following a National Working Committee meeting at the party’s secretariat. The APC has already formally communicated these changes to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aligning with electoral guidelines. State chapters received notice of the updated activities on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The race for party forms begins swiftly. Sales of nomination and expression of interest forms commence on Saturday, April 25, 2026, closing on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Aspirants must submit all completed forms and accompanying documents by Monday, May 4, 2026, setting a tight window for compliance.

Rigorous Screening Process Unfolds

The screening of aspirants follows immediately, designed to vet candidates across all levels. Prospective House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship candidates undergo screening from Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to Friday, May 8, 2026. Presidential aspirants face their own screening panel on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Following these evaluations, the APC publishes screening results for all aspirants—State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and Presidential—on Monday, May 11, 2026. Candidates with grievances can then appeal the screening outcomes, with appeal committees sitting from Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The actual primary elections are now firmly scheduled. Senate primary elections hold on Monday, May 18, 2026. State House of Assembly primary elections take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Governorship aspirants contest their primaries on Saturday, May 23, 2026, leading up to the highly anticipated Presidential primary election on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Post-Primary Appeals and Finality

To ensure fairness and address any disputes arising from the primaries, post-primary appeal committees are also established with specific timelines. Appeals for House of Representatives primaries are heard on Monday, May 18, 2026. Senate appeals follow on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and State House of Assembly appeals on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Governorship post-primary appeals are slated for Saturday, May 23, 2026, with Presidential appeals concluding the process on Monday, May 25, 2026.