THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, setting in motion a tightly packed sequence of internal processes that will culminate in party primaries for various elective positions in May 2026.
News Point Nigeria reports that the party also fixed its presidential primaries for May 15 and 16, 2026, as part of the broader schedule.
The timetable, signed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, outlines detailed timelines covering the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, screening of aspirants, publication of results, appeals, and the conduct of primaries for all elective offices.
According to the party, the schedule was released in compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
The APC stated that the release of the timetable reflects its commitment to credible and transparent primaries aimed at strengthening internal democracy and consolidating its “progressive ideals” ahead of the 2027 elections.
“In accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby releases its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Elections,” the party said.
The process begins with the formal notice of election to state chapters and the commencement of sale of forms at the APC national secretariat on Monday, April 20.
The sale of forms is scheduled to run from Saturday, April 25, to Saturday, May 2, while Monday, May 4, has been fixed as the deadline for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents by aspirants.
Screening of aspirants will follow in phases, with those contesting State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship positions to be screened between Wednesday, May 6, and Friday, May 8. Presidential aspirants are scheduled for screening on Saturday, May 9.
The party said screening results for all categories of offices will be published on Monday, May 11, after which aggrieved aspirants will be given the opportunity to file appeals.
Aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the screening will have two days Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13 to lodge appeals before the commencement of primaries.
Primary elections will begin shortly after the appeals process, starting with the presidential primary slated for Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16.
This will be followed by the House of Representatives primary on Monday, May 18, the Senate primary on Wednesday, May 20, and the State House of Assembly primaries on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22. The governorship primary is scheduled for Saturday, May 23.
The APC also outlined timelines for election-related appeals arising from the primaries. Presidential primary appeals are to be heard from Monday, May 18, while House of Representatives appeals are fixed for Wednesday, May 20. Senate appeals will follow on Thursday, May 21, State House of Assembly appeals on Saturday, May 23, and governorship appeals on Monday, May 25.
Beyond the timelines, the party detailed the cost structure for nomination and expression of interest forms for various elective offices, a recurring feature of internal party contests that has often sparked public debate.
Aspirants for State Houses of Assembly are to pay N1,000,000 for expression of interest and N5,000,000 for nomination forms, while those seeking seats in the House of Representatives will pay N1,000,000 and N9,000,000 respectively.
Senatorial aspirants are required to pay N3,000,000 for expression of interest and N17,000,000 for nomination forms, while governorship aspirants will pay N10,000,000 for expression of interest and N40,000,000 for nomination forms.
Presidential aspirants, the party stated, are to pay N30,000,000 for expression of interest and N70,000,000 for nomination forms, bringing the total cost to N100,000,000.
However, in what may be considered a move to promote inclusivity, the APC said female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will pay only for the expression of interest forms and 50 per cent of the prescribed nomination fees for their respective positions.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
INEC also indicated that political parties are to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to commence on August 19, while those for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will begin on September 9.
The electoral body added that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
