The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primary election to Saturday, May 23, 2026, as part of a revised timetable approved by its National Working Committee (NWC).
The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, announced the change after the NWC’s 186th meeting in Abuja.
The party noted that the new schedule replaces an earlier timetable and has been formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
New Timetable for Primaries Under the updated schedule:
Sale of nomination forms begins April 25 and ends May 2
Submission deadline is May 4
Screening for National Assembly and governorship aspirants holds May 6–8
Presidential screening is set for May 9.
Screening results will be released May 11, with appeals slated for May 12–13
Primary elections will follow this sequence:
House of Representatives – May 15
Senate – May 18
State House of Assembly – May 20
Governorship – May 21
Presidential primary – May 23
Appeals arising from the primaries will be handled shortly after each exercise.
The party also approved a dual-mode primary system—direct and consensus—in line with the Electoral Act.
However, the APC clarified that consensus will only stand if all aspirants agree; otherwise, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries.
Meseko dismissed speculations that nomination forms would be restricted, stressing that all eligible APC members are free to contest.
Membership Update, Zamfara Congresses
He further disclosed that the party has submitted its updated membership register to INEC, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Separately, the APC approved a timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning April 28, with all appeals expected to be concluded by May 3.
According to Meseko, the party is now fully prepared for the upcoming round of primary elections.
