APC direct primaries confirmed nationwide as party rejects consensus candidacy and releases timetable for 2026 elections

The All Progressives Congress on Monday formally announced that it will adopt direct primaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for its 2026 election cycle, ruling out consensus candidacy in a decisive shift towards broader participation.

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The APC direct primaries decision was communicated in an official notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission and party members nationwide, with the leadership emphasising transparency and internal democracy as guiding principles.

Under the arrangement, all registered party members will be eligible to vote in the selection of candidates, a move the party described as a powerful step towards ensuring fairness and inclusiveness in its internal processes.

According to the released timetable, presidential primaries are scheduled for 15 and 16 May, followed by House of Representatives primaries on 18 May and Senate primaries on 20 May.

State House of Assembly primaries will take place on 21 May, while governorship primaries are set for 23 May.

Party officials said the approach guarantees a level playing field for aspirants, allowing wider participation and reducing the influence of elite consensus arrangements that have previously shaped candidate selection.

The APC direct primaries model is expected to test the party’s organisational capacity, given the scale of coordinating member participation nationwide, but leaders expressed confidence in its implementation.

Political observers note that the move could significantly influence the dynamics of the 2026 elections, as it opens the process to grassroots engagement and competitive contestation.

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The announcement marks a critical moment in the party’s preparations, with attention now turning to how effectively the system will be executed across diverse political landscapes.