APC Notifies INEC of 2027 Primaries, Releases Detailed Timetable,Fees
Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to conduct primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a letter dated April 20, 2026, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, disclosed that the party would adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, depending on the peculiar circumstances of each constituency and office.
The correspondence, also signed by the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, outlined that the primaries would cover elective positions including President, Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly nationwide.
According to the timetable released by the party, the process begins with the issuance of a notice of election to state chapters on Monday, April 20, 2026. This will be followed by the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms at the APC National Secretariat from April 25 to May 2, 2026.
The party fixed May 4, 2026, as the deadline for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents.
Screening of aspirants is scheduled to hold between May 6 and May 8, 2026, across designated centres. While State House of Assembly screenings will take place in state capitals, those for the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential aspirants will be conducted in Abuja.
The APC said the publication of screening results will follow on May 11, 2026, while appeals arising from the exercise will be entertained between May 12 and May 13, 2026.
Primary elections are slated to commence shortly after the appeals process. According to the schedule, primaries for the State Houses of Assembly will hold between May 15 and May 16, while the presidential primary is fixed for May 18, 2026.
Primaries for the House of Representatives will take place on May 20, followed by the Senate on May 21. The party noted that direct primaries would be conducted across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The APC emphasised that its timetable aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and INEC’s revised schedule for the 2027 general elections.
The party further expressed confidence in INEC’s cooperation, reiterating its commitment to conducting transparent and credible primaries in preparation for the forthcoming polls.
The APC also outlined the cost of forms for aspirants. State assembly hopefuls are to pay N1 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination forms. House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million and N9 million respectively, while senatorial aspirants are to pay N3 million and N17 million.
Governorship aspirants will pay N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for nomination forms, while presidential aspirants are expected to pay N30 million and N70 million respectively.
However, the party noted that women, youths, and persons with disabilities will enjoy a concession, paying only for expression of interest forms and half of the nomination fees.
On the broader election timeline, INEC scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, including the resolution of disputes.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, with all campaigns ending 24 hours before election day.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
