APC Unveils Comprehensive Timetable for Congresses National Convention Ahead of 2027 Polls

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Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated a sweeping internal electoral process aimed at restructuring its leadership across all tiers of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise will involve a sequence of congresses beginning at the grassroots and culminating in a national convention expected to hold toward the end of March.

Party Begins Nationwide Reorganisation

Party leaders confirmed that the internal electoral activities will commence with ward-level processes before progressing through local government, state, and zonal structures.

The decision forms part of the APC’s broader plan to consolidate its organisational base and prepare its leadership hierarchy for the coming electoral cycle.

Digital Membership Drive Nears Completion

The announcement comes shortly after the party concluded a nationwide digital membership registration initiative.

The programme, which began in December 2025, introduced modern data collection methods, including National Identity Number (NIN) verification, to improve the accuracy of the party’s membership database.

According to party officials, the initiative was designed to strengthen documentation, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and provide data insights for strategic planning.

Governors Back the Congress Timetable

The plan to proceed with the congresses was reaffirmed during a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Abuja.

At the gathering, governors received a briefing from the APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

After reviewing the preparations, both party leaders and governors agreed to follow the timeline earlier approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Commitment to Transparency and Party Unity

Following the meeting, the governors issued a communiqué emphasising their commitment to strengthening democratic practices within the party.

They highlighted the need for transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability throughout the congress and convention process.

According to the communiqué, maintaining internal democracy is essential for preserving unity and credibility within the party.

Governors Attend Strategic Meeting

Several governors participated in the Abuja meeting where the congress timetable was discussed.

Among those present were leaders from various states across the federation, reflecting the importance attached to the upcoming internal elections.

The forum also used the meeting to reaffirm cooperation between state governments and the national leadership of the party.

Financial Accountability Emphasised

Another key issue discussed was financial management during the congresses.

The governors stressed that the entire exercise must be conducted with transparency and coordination across all states.

They also noted that fairness must be maintained even in states where the APC is not currently in power.

Grassroots Engagement Strategy

Beyond internal elections, the Progressive Governors Forum also announced plans to embark on nationwide engagement activities.

These initiatives will include visits to different states aimed at strengthening party structures and improving coordination between party leaders and grassroots supporters.

Taraba State is expected to be the first destination in this series of strategic visits.

Official Congress Schedule Released

A comprehensive timetable for the party’s internal elections had earlier been released by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

The schedule outlines key stages of the process, which will follow the provisions of the APC constitution governing party organisation.

Early Phases of the Congress Process

The first phase will focus on grassroots leadership positions.

Important steps include:

Notification of congresses to state chapters beginning February 2, 2026
Sale and submission of nomination forms from February 4 to February 9
Screening of aspirants between February 11 and February 13
Ward congresses scheduled for February 18, followed by appeals on February 19

These activities will determine the leadership structures at the ward level.

Local Government Congress Stage

The next stage will involve local government congresses.

These events are scheduled for February 20, during which party officials at the local government level will be elected.

Delegates to the national convention will also be selected during this phase, with provisions ensuring representation, including at least one female delegate.

Appeals arising from the process will be considered the following day.

State-Level Leadership Elections

Attention will then shift to state leadership positions.

The process will begin with the sale of nomination forms between February 23 and February 27.

Screening and appeal procedures will follow before the state congresses, which are scheduled to hold on March 7.

Appeals after the state congresses will run from March 9 to March 11.

Zonal Congress Arrangements

Following the state-level exercise, the party will move to the zonal stage.

The sale and submission of forms for zonal positions will take place from March 12 to March 17.

Screening of aspirants will occur between March 19 and March 20, after which the zonal congresses will be conducted across the six geopolitical zones on March 21.

Appeals from this stage will be heard on March 23.

National Convention to Conclude Process

The entire process will culminate in the APC National Convention, scheduled to hold between March 25 and March 28.

At this convention, national officers of the party will be elected, effectively completing the internal restructuring exercise ahead of the next general elections.

Commentary and Analysis

The decision by the APC to begin its internal elections early signals a strategic effort to stabilise the party structure before the 2027 political contest.

By combining digital membership registration with a structured congress timetable, the party appears to be investing in organisational reforms aimed at strengthening its grassroots base.

Political analysts note that internal elections within major parties often shape the alliances and power structures that influence national campaigns.

If successfully conducted, the congresses and national convention could reinforce unity within the APC while also setting the stage for future electoral strategies.