The All Progressives Congress has approved a dual-mode system for its forthcoming primary elections, allowing aspirants to emerge through either direct or consensus arrangements.
The decision was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, following the 186th meeting of the National Working Committee. He was joined at the briefing by the National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Tolu Bankole.
Meseko explained that while aspirants are free to indicate their preferred mode of emergence, any attempt to adopt consensus must receive the approval of all contestants involved. He stressed that where even one aspirant rejects the consensus option, the process would automatically revert to direct primaries.
He noted that the adoption of the dual approach aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and is aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and fairness in the party’s selection process.
The party also confirmed an adjustment to its primary election timetable, fixing its presidential primary for Saturday, May 23, 2026, as part of a revised schedule already communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Under the new timetable, the sale of nomination forms will begin on April 25 and close on May 2, while submission of completed forms is expected to end on May 4.
Screening of aspirants for legislative and governorship positions will hold between May 6 and May 8, with presidential aspirants scheduled for screening on May 9. The results are to be released on May 11, while appeals will be entertained on May 12 and 13.
Primary elections will be conducted in phases, starting with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.
Meseko dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted, maintaining that all party members interested in contesting elections under the APC platform are eligible to obtain the forms.
He added that the party has forwarded its updated membership register to INEC, affirming compliance with electoral guidelines, and declared that the APC is fully prepared for its primaries.