APC announces Nationwide direct Presidential Primary as Tinubu battles challenger ahead of 2027 Election
APC fixes direct presidential primary across 8,809 wards
Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially unveiled the procedures for its highly anticipated 2026 presidential primary election, setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC disclosed that its presidential primary will take place on May 23, 2026, adopting the direct primary system across the country’s 8,809 wards. The announcement confirms that every registered APC member nationwide will participate directly in selecting the party’s presidential candidate.
The development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks re-election for a second term while facing opposition within the party from fellow aspirant Stanley Osifo.
The procedure was released by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in a notice issued on Thursday.
Tinubu Faces Internal Contest as APC Members Prepare to Vote
The APC’s decision to adopt a direct primary means grassroots party members will have the power to determine the party’s presidential flag bearer rather than delegates alone deciding the outcome.
According to the party, all registered APC members across Nigeria’s wards are eligible to vote for the aspirant of their choice during the exercise.
President Tinubu remains the overwhelming favourite within the ruling party, but the emergence of Stanley Osifo introduces an element of internal democratic competition into the process.
Political analysts believe the direct primary model could strengthen the legitimacy of the eventual candidate while also testing the party’s grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
How APC’s Direct Primary Will Be Conducted Nationwide
The APC explained that voting results from each ward will be collated at the local government level before moving to state collation centres and eventually transmitted to the national presidential primary election committee in Abuja.
Senator Basiru stated that the process would be supervised by coordinators and collation officers appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC).
He explained that:
- Ward results would be collated across the 774 local government areas.
- State coordinators would oversee collation at the state level.
- Final results would be presented to the Presidential Primary Election Committee in Abuja on May 24, 2026.
The party also noted that previously released guidelines for conducting direct and consensus primaries would apply to the presidential exercise.
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Former Senate President Anyim Heads APC Presidential Primary Committee
The APC has appointed former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as chairman of the Presidential Primary Election Committee.
Other members of the committee include:
- Senator Ken Nnamani
- Senator Udo Udoma
- Grace Layoye-Ponle
- Idris Wada
- Jolly Nyame
Sani Sanusi was named secretary of the committee.
The party also assigned top political figures and governors as coordinators in different states to ensure smooth conduct of the primary.
Among notable appointments:
- Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu — Abia coordinator
- Senator Phillip Aduda — FCT coordinator
- Senator Teslim Folarin — Oyo coordinator
- Gboyega Oyetola — Osun coordinator
- Senator Uche Ekwunife — Anambra coordinator
- Yakubu Dogara — Bauchi coordinator
The extensive coordination structure signals APC’s intention to avoid logistical setbacks during the nationwide exercise.
Why APC’s Presidential Primary Matters Ahead of 2027 Elections
The APC presidential primary is expected to shape the political direction of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting scrutiny over economic reforms, inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and cost-of-living concerns. However, the president retains significant influence within the ruling party structure.
Political observers say the direct primary approach could help APC project internal democracy while consolidating support for the eventual candidate.
The primary also comes at a time when opposition parties are intensifying preparations for the next election cycle, making APC’s internal cohesion crucial.
If successfully conducted, the exercise may become one of the largest intra-party democratic voting processes in Nigeria’s political history.
APC Pushes Grassroots Participation With Direct Voting System
The direct primary format has continued to divide opinions among politicians and stakeholders.
Supporters argue that it gives ordinary party members a voice and reduces manipulation by political elites. Critics, however, warn that organizing voting simultaneously across thousands of wards could create logistical and security challenges.
Despite concerns, APC leadership insists the process will be transparent and credible.
The party says the move reflects its commitment to democratic participation as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum nationwide.
FAQ
When is the APC presidential primary holding?
The APC presidential primary is scheduled to hold on May 23, 2026, according to the party’s official timetable.
What method will APC use for the presidential primary?
The APC will use the direct primary system, allowing registered party members across all wards in Nigeria to vote directly for their preferred presidential aspirant.
How many wards will participate in the APC primary?
The direct primary will take place across 8,809 wards nationwide.
Is Bola Tinubu contesting in the APC presidential primary?
Yes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking re-election and will contest in the APC presidential primary.
Who is challenging Tinubu for the APC ticket?
Tinubu is being challenged by Stanley Osifo, another APC presidential aspirant.
What is a direct primary in Nigerian politics?
A direct primary is an electoral system where all registered party members vote directly to select the party’s candidate instead of delegates voting on their behalf.
Who will supervise the APC presidential primary?
The APC has appointed a Presidential Primary Election Committee led by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim to oversee the exercise.
Why is the APC presidential primary important?
The APC presidential primary will determine the ruling party’s candidate for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, making it a major political event ahead of the polls.
Can all APC members vote in the primary?
Yes. The APC stated that all registered party members are eligible to participate in the direct primary voting exercise.
Where will APC primary results be collated?
Results will be collated from ward level to local government and state levels before final submission to the national committee in Abuja.
What are Nigerians saying about APC’s direct primary?
Reactions have been mixed. Some Nigerians support the process for promoting grassroots democracy, while others are concerned about logistics, transparency, and security during nationwide voting.
Could APC’s direct primary affect the 2027 election outcome?
Yes. Political analysts believe the credibility and outcome of the APC primary could significantly influence voter confidence and the broader dynamics of the 2027 presidential election.