…the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026 provides clarity to aspirants.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026 has been officially released by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
The party announced that the provisional timetable aligns with the Revised INEC Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election dated February 26, 2026. The decision, according to the party’s public notice, was taken pursuant to powers vested in the NWC under the APGA Constitution 2019 and the Electoral Act 2026.
The development marks a significant early step in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral build-up, as political parties intensify internal processes for candidate selection.
Purchase and Screening of Aspirants
According to details contained in the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026, the first phase covers the purchase and return of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, alongside screening of prospective aspirants.
Key dates include:
- April 20 – May 8, 2026: Purchase and return of Expression of Interest Forms (APGA National Secretariat, Abuja)
- May 11 – May 13, 2026: Screening of National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and Governorship aspirants
- May 14 – May 21, 2026: Purchase and return of Nomination Forms
The screening exercises will hold at the APGA National Secretariat in Abuja and designated state secretariats, depending on the category of office.
Political observers note that early release of a structured timetable suggests APGA’s intention to conduct orderly primaries and avoid post-primary disputes that have historically plagued political parties in Nigeria.
Screening Appeals and Primary Elections
The timetable further outlines a window for screening appeals, particularly for National Assembly and State House of Assembly aspirants, scheduled for May 16, 2026.
The main primary elections are slated as follows:
- May 23, 2026: State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives, and Senatorial primaries
- May 28, 2026: Appeals arising from all primary elections
- May 30, 2026: National Working Committee meeting for ratification of nominated candidates
By setting firm dates, the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026 provides clarity to aspirants and party stakeholders nationwide.
Cost of Forms for Aspirants
One of the most closely watched aspects of any primary election timetable is the cost of nomination forms. Under the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026, the fees are structured as follows:
- President: N25 million (Expression of Interest) + N50 million (Nomination) = N75 million
- Senate: N6 million + N15 million = N21 million
- House of Representatives: N4 million + N12 million = N16 million
- Governor: N10 million + N25 million = N35 million
- State House of Assembly: N2 million + N6 million = N8 million
The party clarified that payments must be made via bank draft or manager’s cheque payable to APGA and are non-refundable.
In a notable provision, female aspirants and persons living with disabilities are required to pay only 50 percent of the stipulated nomination form fees a policy designed to promote inclusivity and broaden participation.
The public notice emphasized strict compliance with party guidelines and constitutional provisions.
Aspirants are required to; obtain Expression of Interest Forms from the National Secretariat, submit payment receipts, APGA membership card, and academic credentials, undergo screening and receive clearance before purchasing Nomination Forms.
The party also reserved the right to adjust dates if necessary, citing the evolving nature of electoral processes and alignment with INEC’s master schedule.
Furthermore, the notice stated that only aspirants successfully screened and cleared would be eligible to contest the primaries.
The APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026 comes amid heightened political activities across Nigeria as parties position themselves for 2027.
The Electoral Act 2026 mandates political parties to adhere strictly to timelines communicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Failure to comply can result in disqualification of candidates.
By releasing its timetable early, APGA signals compliance and readiness to participate competitively in the next general elections.
Political analysts say internal democracy and transparent primaries will be critical in determining the party’s electoral strength in 2027, particularly in its traditional strongholds and emerging political territories.
Founded in 2002, APGA has maintained a distinct political identity in Nigeria’s multiparty system. The release of the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026 underscores the party’s effort to consolidate its structures nationwide.
Observers believe that smooth conduct of primaries could strengthen the party’s bargaining power in potential alliances or coalition discussions ahead of 2027.
The iNews Times will continue to track implementation of the APGA Primary Election Timetable 2026, including screening outcomes, primary election results, and emerging aspirants.
As Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 General Election, party primaries will shape the political landscape and define the choices available to voters.
For aspirants, party faithful, and political watchers, the message is clear: the race to 2027 has formally begun.
