The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced an extension of the deadlines for the sale and submission of expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of its 2027 general election primaries. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) approved the revised timetable during a meeting held on Thursday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, briefed reporters after the meeting. He explained that the decision was taken to accommodate disruptions caused by Friday’s public holiday and to manage the unusually high demand from aspirants across the country.
Under the new schedule, the sale of forms will now close at midnight on Monday, May 4, 2026. Aspirants will then have until midnight on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to submit completed forms along with all required documents. This adjustment provides an additional two days for the purchase of forms and one extra day for submission compared to the original timetable.
The earlier schedule had set Saturday, May 2, 2026, as the closing date for form sales, with Monday, May 4, 2026, as the final day for submission. The extension therefore gives aspirants more time to complete the process, ensuring that those affected by the holiday or logistical challenges are not excluded.
Meseko emphasized that the extension reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness. He noted that the APC leadership recognized the importance of giving all interested aspirants adequate opportunity to participate in the primaries. “The extension became necessary to accommodate both the disruption caused by Friday’s public holiday and the level of demand from intending aspirants across the country,” he said.
The APC’s decision comes at a critical stage in preparations for the 2027 elections. The sale and submission of forms are key steps in the party’s internal democratic process, determining who will contest for various positions under its platform. By extending the deadlines, the party aims to avoid disenfranchising aspirants and to maintain credibility in its selection process.
The move also highlights the scale of interest in the APC primaries. Reports indicate that the party has witnessed a surge in aspirants seeking nomination, reflecting its position as Nigeria’s ruling party and a dominant force in national politics. The extension is expected to ease pressure on party officials managing the process and provide aspirants with more time to finalize documentation.
The NWC’s decision underscores the importance of flexibility in managing political processes, especially in a country where public holidays and administrative challenges can affect timelines. By adjusting the schedule, the APC demonstrates responsiveness to practical realities while reinforcing its image as a party committed to transparency and fairness.
As the new deadlines approach, attention will shift to the number of aspirants who complete the process and the contests that will emerge within the party. The primaries are expected to be highly competitive, given the stakes involved in the 2027 general elections.
The extension also signals the APC’s determination to manage its internal affairs carefully, ensuring that procedural issues do not undermine confidence in its primaries. For aspirants, the additional time provides a crucial opportunity to finalize paperwork, secure endorsements, and prepare for the next stage of the process.
With the sale of forms now closing on May 4 and submissions ending May 5, the APC has set clear timelines for aspirants to follow. The party leadership has urged all participants to take advantage of the extension and ensure compliance with the requirements.
