The The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 general elections by one day, as preparations intensify for the party’s nationwide nomination exercise.
The primary, earlier scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, will now hold on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The adjustment was announced in a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who said all other previously announced dates for the party’s primaries remain unchanged.
According to the revised schedule, the Senate primary election will hold on Monday, May 18, while the State House of Assembly primaries are fixed for Wednesday, May 20. The governorship primary election is expected to take place on Thursday, May 21, while the presidential primary election remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The latest update followed an earlier clarification by the ruling party dismissing reports that its 2027 primary timetable had been altered. The party had initially insisted that the earlier schedule remained valid before later announcing the one-day shift affecting only the House of Representatives primary.
Although the APC did not give a detailed reason for the adjustment, the development has attracted fresh attention from aspirants, delegates and political observers as the party moves closer to selecting candidates for the next election cycle.
Party primaries are a major part of Nigeria’s democratic process. They determine the candidates political parties present for general elections and are often closely watched by the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society groups, party members and voters.
The revised timetable is expected to form part of the APC’s preparations ahead of key electoral activities monitored by INEC. It also places pressure on aspirants to conclude consultations with party leaders, delegates and stakeholders within a tight political calendar.
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The postponement comes amid heightened activity within the ruling party. Aspirants for legislative, governorship and presidential tickets have been engaging party structures across the country, while officials are expected to manage screening, voting arrangements and dispute resolution.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged APC aspirants and members to conduct themselves peacefully during the primaries. He warned against violence, bitterness and “do-or-die politics”, saying the nomination process should strengthen party unity rather than create division.
The President’s warning reflects wider concerns about political primaries in Nigeria, where disputes over nominations can lead to defections, court cases and internal crises. Analysts say credible primaries are important not only for party stability but also for public trust in the electoral process.
For the APC, the coming days will test its ability to manage internal competition and maintain discipline among aspirants and supporters. The party must also avoid confusion over dates as delegates prepare for a sequence of primaries that will shape its 2027 campaign.
The House of Representatives primary may have been moved by only one day, but the adjustment is politically significant. It comes at a time when parties are under pressure to show transparency, fairness and readiness for the general elections.
The conduct of the APC primaries will be a key test of the party’s internal democracy and its preparedness for the 2027 polls.
