APC sets August 22 for primaries for restored constituencies, bye-elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled its primary elections for August 22, 2026, to nominate candidates for several key electoral contests. These include primaries for four restored State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi states, as well as legislative bye-elections in Gombe, Bauchi, Delta, and Kano states. The party released its timetable and schedule of activities, signed by National Organizing Secretary Sulaiman Argungu, detailing the process for these selections.

The decision to hold these primaries follows the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) reinstatement of four previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies. In Delta State, the affected constituencies are Abraka, Isoko North II, and Ughelli South II. Kogi State's Yagba West II State Constituency has also been restored. For the legislative bye-elections, the APC will select candidates for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, the Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State, the Udu State Constituency in Delta State, and the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State.

The APC's timetable outlines a condensed schedule for the nomination process. Sales of party forms will occur from August 18 to August 20, with the deadline for submission of completed forms and supporting documents set for August 20. Aspirants will undergo screening, and results will be published along with appeal processes on August 21, leading up to the primary elections on August 22. Election appeals are scheduled for August 24.

Aspiring candidates face significant financial commitments. House of Assembly hopefuls must pay N1 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination, totaling N6 million. Candidates for the House of Representatives will pay N1 million for expression of interest and N9 million for nomination, amounting to N10 million. The APC has stipulated that female aspirants, youth, and physically challenged aspirants are eligible for a 50% reduction on the prescribed nomination fees, while the expression of interest fee remains the same. All payments are to be made directly to designated APC bank accounts.