By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted direct primary elections across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 election cycle – shutting the door firmly on consensus candidacy.
In a formal notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the party confirmed that every card-carrying member would now have a direct say in selecting candidates, from the presidency down to state assembly seats.
APC leadership said the decision underscored its commitment to transparency and internal democracy. “There will be no room for consensus candidacy,” the party stated, signalling an end to arrangements where candidates previously emerged through backroom negotiations among party bigwigs and stakeholders.
Under the newly released timetable, the primaries will run for nine days in May 2026, covering all elective positions. The exercise kicks off with the Presidential Primaries on 15–16 May 2026 – a two-day window that will determine who flies the party’s flag in the general elections.
House of Representatives primaries follow on 18 May 2026, with members in each of the 360 federal constituencies casting votes directly, bypassing the delegate system entirely. Senate primaries are scheduled for 20 May 2026 across all 109 senatorial districts, while State Houses of Assembly primaries take place on 21 May 2026, covering 991 state constituencies.
Governorship primaries will wrap up the process on 23 May 2026 in states where elections are due. The APC said the sequencing would allow for proper mobilisation and coordination with INEC and security agencies.
The party assured aspirants of a level playing field throughout the exercise. “Every member will have the opportunity to participate directly,” the leadership emphasised, arguing that the direct primary model was designed to reflect the true will of the party’s base ahead of the 2027 elections – and, they hope, to reduce post-primary disputes.
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