By Clement John
ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, reaffirming that its nomination process remains open to all qualified party members.
The update followed the 186th meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, with Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, announcing that the new timetable supersedes the earlier schedule.
He noted that the revised calendar has been duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in compliance with electoral regulations.
Under the new arrangement, sale of nomination forms will begin on April 25 and end on May 2, while submission of completed forms is slated for May 4.
Screening of aspirants for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship positions is scheduled for May 6 to May 8, with presidential aspirants to be screened on May 9.
Results of the screening will be released on May 11, while appeals will be entertained between May 12 and May 13.
The party outlined a staggered timetable for its primaries, with the House of Representatives holding on May 15, Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, and governorship primaries on May 21.
The presidential primary is set for May 23, with appeals to follow immediately after each exercise.
The NWC also approved a dual-mode system for the primaries direct and consensus in line with the Electoral Act.
However, the party stressed that where consensus fails due to the refusal of any aspirant to step down, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries.
Meseko dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted to select individuals, insisting that the process is transparent and inclusive.
“Nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are open. All members are free to contest,” he said.
He added that the party has forwarded its updated membership register to INEC, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
In a related move, the NWC approved a timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State. Screening of ward executive aspirants will commence on April 28, followed by ward congresses on April 30, while LGA and state congresses will take place subsequently, with all appeals expected to be concluded by May 3.
Meseko expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for the primaries, assuring that the process would be smooth, credible, and in line with democratic principles.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.