The All Progressives Congress has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, as part of adjustments to its electoral timetable.
The party also approved a dual-mode primary system, allowing for both direct and consensus options in selecting candidates.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Durosinmi Meseko, disclosed this on Thursday after the 186th meeting of the party’s National Working Committee held in Abuja.
Meseko said the revised timetable replaces an earlier schedule released days ago and has been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission in compliance with electoral guidelines.
Under the new arrangement, the sale of nomination forms will commence on April 25 and end on May 2, while submission of completed forms is scheduled to close on May 4.
He added that screening of aspirants for various elective positions, including governorship and legislative seats, will take place between May 6 and May 8, with presidential aspirants to be screened on May 9.
According to him, results of the screening will be released on May 11, while appeals will be entertained on May 12 and May 13.
The party said its primary elections would be conducted in phases, beginning with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.
Meseko explained that while aspirants are free to choose between direct and consensus modes, any disagreement within a consensus arrangement would automatically trigger the adoption of direct primaries.
He dismissed speculations that nomination forms would be restricted, insisting that all party members interested in contesting elections under the APC are eligible to obtain the forms.
On membership, he said the party had submitted its updated register of newly admitted members to INEC in line with legal requirements.
In a related development, the NWC approved a timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning with the screening of ward executive aspirants on April 28.
Ward congresses are scheduled for April 30, with LGA and state congresses to follow shortly after, while all appeals are expected to be concluded by May 3.
Meseko expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, stating that the APC is set for the forthcoming primary elections.
