ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress officially began its House of Representatives primary elections across Nigeria on Saturday, May 16. The exercise covers all 360 federal constituencies as the party selects candidates for the 2027 general elections.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka confirmed the start of the primaries. He said the party is determined to run a transparent and credible process. “We want candidates who reflect the trust and confidence of our members,” Morka saida.
Presidential and governorship primaries are scheduled for May 23. The party pegged presidential forms at N100 million. Governorship aspirants pay N50 million, Senate aspirants N20 million, and House of Representatives aspirants N10 million.
INEC fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections. Governorship and state assembly polls follow on February 6, 2027. Party primaries must conclude by May 30, 2026.
Dominance on Display
The APC currently controls 29 state governorships. The party said its expanded membership base and grassroots infrastructure place it in a strong position for 2027. Officials say the party has signed over 10 million members into a digital database.
However, tensions have emerged in several states. In Imo State, socialite Cubana Chief Priest lost his bid for a House of Reps ticket. In Plateau State, thugs disrupted voting in Jos South, raising questions about internal discipline.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urged aspirants from his state to accept results peacefully. He said the APC must emerge united from its primaries. “Our strength lies in our unity,” Uzodimma said ahead of the exercise.
Competition Heats Up
The primaries mark a key milestone in what is shaping up as Nigeria’s most competitive election season in years. Multiple opposition parties are also running their own candidate selection exercises this month.
As a result, the political landscape is shifting fast. The ADC, NDC, Labour Party, and PDP factions are all racing to meet INEC’s May 30 deadline for primary completion. Late compliance could result in exclusion from the 2027 ballot.
Observers from civil society groups attended some of the APC primaries on Saturday. Reports from different states are still being compiled. The APC national secretariat says it will review all outcomes before announcing final cleared candidates.
