APC Adopts Direct Primaries for 2027 Elections, Releases Full Timetable
Abuja, April 23, 2026 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its official timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections, confirming that direct primaries will serve as the primary mechanism for nominating candidates at all levels.
In a formal communication forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and shared with party stakeholders nationwide, PulseNets learnt that the APC National Working Committee approved the conduct of direct primaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The party, however, made provisions for consensus arrangements, noting that such an option will only be valid where all aspirants unanimously agree. PulseNets reported that in any situation where consensus fails or is contested, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries.
Official Primaries Timetable
Details obtained by PulseNets show that the party has outlined the following schedule for its primaries:
Presidential Primaries: May 15 to 16, 2026
House of Representatives Primaries: May 18, 2026
Senate Primaries: May 20, 2026
State House of Assembly Primaries: May 21, 2026
Governorship Primaries: May 23, 2026
The APC assured aspirants of fairness and inclusiveness, emphasizing that all registered members of the party will be eligible to participate directly in the candidate selection process.
Party’s Commitment
In its position, the party leadership maintained that adopting direct primaries as the default system is designed to strengthen transparency, deepen internal democracy, and broaden grassroots participation in choosing candidates.
PulseNets learnt that the move is widely interpreted as a calculated effort by the ruling party to limit recurring disputes, allegations of candidate imposition, and post-primary legal battles that have characterized previous election cycles.
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Political analysts who spoke to PulseNets suggest that the updated framework could intensify competition, particularly for the presidential ticket and key governorship positions, as aspirants are now compelled to engage broader party membership instead of relying on elite consensus arrangements.
Further guidelines detailing the conduct of the primaries are expected to be issued by the APC National Secretariat in the coming days.
