Party officials announced the change on Thursday through a statement issued by Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary. The postponement is limited to the lower chamber primaries; the timetable for Senate, state assembly, governorship, and presidential primaries remains unchanged, according to the revised schedule released by the party.
Under the updated calendar, Senate primaries are now set for Monday, May 18; state House of Assembly primaries for Wednesday, May 20; governorship primaries for Thursday, May 21; and the presidential primary for Saturday, May 23.
The APC, which has controlled Nigeria’s federal government since 2015, framed the adjustment as part of its broader preparations for next year’s polls. No detailed explanation was provided for the short-notice delay, which comes as aspirants and party structures intensify campaigns and negotiations at the state and federal levels.
Such last-minute shifts in primary schedules are not uncommon in Nigeria’s often fluid political calendar, where logistical hurdles, internal consultations, and efforts to maximize participation frequently prompt revisions. The primaries will determine the APC’s candidates for the National Assembly, state legislatures, governorships, and the presidency in what is expected to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.
Party leaders have signaled confidence in the revised timetable, emphasizing that the core dates for higher-stakes races, particularly the presidential primary, will proceed as planned. Further guidance on delegate selection processes and other operational details is anticipated in the coming days.
The development was first reported by Nigerian news outlets on Thursday evening and has drawn limited immediate reaction from aspirants. Analysts will be watching closely to see whether the one-day postponement signals any deeper organizational challenges within the ruling party as it seeks to maintain its dominance in the 2027 elections.
