Abuja: The APC National Working Committee has revised the 2027 election timetable, moving its presidential primary to May 23.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko confirmed the adjustment to journalists in Abuja on Thursday after the party’s 186th NWC meeting.
He said the presidential primary, earlier scheduled for May 15, has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 23, along with other revised election dates.
Meseko reiterated that nomination forms for all positions are open to aspiring party members nationwide.
He explained that these changes ensure full compliance with the amended Constitution, the 2026 Electoral Act, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
“This is the newest timetable reflecting updated legal and procedural requirements,” Meseko said.
He added that they have formally communicated the revised schedule to INEC in accordance with established electoral regulations.
According to the revised timetable, sales of nomination forms will begin on Saturday, April 25, and close on Saturday, May 2. The deadline for submission of completed forms is Monday, May 4.
The deadline for submission of completed nomination forms is Monday, May 4, immediately after which the screening of all aspirants will commence from May 6 to May 9.
He said screening of all aspirants, from the House of Assembly to the presidential level, will be held between May 6 and May 9.
Presidential screening is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, while results for all categories will be published on Monday, May 11.
According to him, the primaries will follow a staggered schedule, covering legislative, senatorial, gubernatorial, and presidential elections on different dates.
Meseko dismissed reports of restricted nomination forms and insisted the process remains fully open to all qualified APC aspirants nationwide.
“I assure party faithful that nomination forms are open to all seeking elective offices,” he said.
On primaries, he said the NWC adopted both direct and consensus options as permitted under the Electoral Act, depending on circumstances.
He stressed that consensus arrangements must reflect agreement among aspirants and key stakeholders before they are adopted by party structures.
“Where consensus fails or is rejected by any aspirant, the party automatically reverts to direct primary elections,” he explained.
He added that state chapters were empowered to decide the appropriate mode of primary elections for their respective states.
In Zamfara, he said internal party congresses had been scheduled, beginning with ward, local government and state-level exercises from April 28.
“Ward congresses will hold on April 30, while state congresses and appeal processes are expected to conclude by May 3,” Meseko assured party members that the party has duly transmitted the updated national membership register, including new entrants, to INEC.
According to him, APC is fully prepared for its 2027 primary elections following the completion of all administrative and regulatory steps.