APC Issues Short Deadline for Presidential, NASS Aspirants

By Wellington Jopelo

The All-Progressives Congress has rolled out its timetable for the 2027 general elections, setting a narrow window for aspirants to obtain and submit nomination forms.

The party announced that its presidential and governorship primaries will hold in May 2026, as preparations intensify ahead of the next election cycle.

Under the schedule, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will run for just over a week, with a strict deadline for submission shortly after.

The cost of the forms has also been outlined, with presidential aspirants expected to pay the highest fee, followed by governorship and National Assembly hopefuls.

Party officials said the timetable is designed to ensure an organised and transparent process leading up to the primaries.

Screening of aspirants is expected to take place within a few days after submission of forms, with different dates allocated for various positions.

Primary elections for legislative positions will be conducted first, followed by governorship and presidential primaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has already fixed dates for the 2027 elections, with national polls scheduled for January and governorship elections in February.

INEC also set a timeline for party primaries, giving political parties a defined period to complete their internal processes.

Meanwhile, within the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party has also moved to reposition itself ahead of the elections.

The party’s leadership announced that it has adopted a timetable for its own primaries, while assuring members that it is working to resolve internal disputes.

The PDP has been dealing with factional disagreements, but party leaders insist efforts are ongoing to restore unity.

At a recent meeting, the party expressed confidence in its leadership and pledged to strengthen internal structures.

Some stakeholders, however, have continued to criticise rival factions, reflecting ongoing tensions within the party.

In a related development, the African Democratic Congress said it is considering a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate.

Party officials noted that consensus may help reduce the cost and complexity of the primary process.

The unfolding developments across major parties highlight the early build-up to the 2027 elections, as political groups begin to position themselves for the contest.

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