The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its presidential primary election will be held on May 15 and 16, 2026, as the ruling party begins early preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The timetable was released via the party’s official X handle and detailed in a statement signed by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu. It outlines a series of activities leading up to the primaries, including the sale and submission of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, appeals, and the conduct of elections for various political offices.
According to the schedule, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, while submission closes on May 4. Screening of aspirants is set for May 6 to 8, with results to be published on May 11. Appeals will follow between May 12 and 13.
Subsequent primaries will be held for other offices, including the House of Representatives on May 18, the Senate on May 20, State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship elections on May 23.
The party fixed the cost of nomination forms for presidential aspirants at ₦100 million—₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination. Governorship aspirants will pay ₦50 million, while fees for legislative positions vary. Female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are to pay only 50 percent of nomination fees after paying for expression of interest.
The APC said the timetable aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting “credible and transparent primary elections” to strengthen internal democracy.
As of the time of filing this report, no APC member has officially declared interest in the presidential race. However, several party leaders and affiliates have already endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election, even though he has not formally announced his intention to contest a second term.
Tinubu had recently dismissed speculation that he was worried about opposition challenges ahead of the 2027 polls, further fueling political discussions within and outside the party.
The announcement sets the stage for an intense political season as Nigeria’s ruling party begins internal processes that could shape the country’s next presidential contest.
