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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

APC Extends 2027 Election Form Deadlines Amidst Internal Consensus Disputes

From ThisDay · (1h ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended the deadline for the sale and submission of nomination forms for the 2027 general election, as well as the screening process.
  • The sale of forms is now extended to May 6, 2026, with submissions due by May 7, 2026, and screening scheduled from May 8 to May 12, 2026.
  • Consensus arrangements for selecting candidates have faced opposition in some states, with aspirants challenging the process and opting to contest primaries.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again demonstrated its penchant for shifting goalposts, extending the deadlines for the sale and submission of nomination forms for the upcoming 2027 general election. This latest adjustment, pushing the sale of forms to May 6, 2026, and submissions to May 7, with screening running from May 8 to May 12, 2026, raises questions about the party's internal organization and preparedness.

I have not seen where any consensus has taken place. I have not participated in any consensus meeting, and I have not agreed to support anybody. That is why I am here.

— Usman AlkaliA retired Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, expresses his dissatisfaction with the consensus arrangement in Yobe State, stating his intention to contest the governorship ticket.

Adding to the internal wrangling, the party's attempt to implement consensus arrangements for candidate selection has met significant resistance in various state chapters. Aspirants in Yobe and Benue states, for instance, have openly challenged these arrangements, asserting their right to contest primaries and test their popularity at the polls. This defiance underscores a growing dissatisfaction with imposed consensus candidates and a desire for a more democratic internal selection process, even within a ruling party.

This (consensus) is the wish of the leader of the party, who wants to reconcile people. But the Electoral Act says something different. We have to go to the field.

— Mathias ByuanMathias Byuan, an aspirant in Benue State, argues that the Electoral Act supersedes the party's consensus arrangement and insists on contesting the governorship ticket against the incumbent governor.

ThisDay, as a publication committed to robust political discourse, observes these developments with keen interest. The repeated extensions and internal disputes within the APC highlight the complexities and potential fault lines within Nigeria's dominant political party. While the party leadership may seek to streamline the process, the insistence of aspirants on adhering to democratic principles, as enshrined in the Electoral Act, suggests a maturing political landscape where internal democracy, however contested, is increasingly valued. The party's ability to manage these internal conflicts will be crucial as it navigates the path towards the 2027 elections.

The party and Mr. President have said people should go and test their popularity.

— Mathias ByuanMathias Byuan emphasizes the directive from the party and the President for aspirants to test their popularity through elections, rather than relying on consensus.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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