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

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that it will begin a nationwide process to elect party officials from the ward level through to the national leadership, starting next Monday, as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The exercise will cover ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, and will conclude with a national convention slated for the end of March. This development comes shortly after the completion of the party’s nationwide digital membership e-registration exercise, which is expected to end tomorrow.

Reports indicate that the APC’s digital registration initiative, launched across the country in December 2025, will officially wrap up on January 30, 2026.

Spearheaded by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the registration drive introduced the use of National Identity Number (NIN) verification alongside digital data collection, aimed at strengthening membership documentation, enhancing demographic analysis, and boosting grassroots mobilisation.

The decision to commence the congresses was reaffirmed late Wednesday night in Abuja during a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), following a detailed briefing by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the NWC.

Both the governors and the party leadership resolved to strictly comply with the timetable earlier approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its December meeting, stressing that the entire process must be transparent, inclusive, and rooted in internal democracy to safeguard party unity.

Governors Present at the Meeting

Those in attendance included Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Mohammed Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Umar Bago (Niger), among others.

In a communiqué released after the meeting, the PGF reiterated its commitment to reinforcing democratic principles within the party.

Part of the communiqué read, “The Forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to deepening internal democracy, strengthening party structures, and advancing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the APC across all levels of the federation.”

The governors also commended the party leadership for the progress achieved in the digital membership exercise, noting particularly the rise in youth participation and the successful integration of NIN verification.

According to the communiqué, “The PGF welcomed the comprehensive briefing by the APC National Chairman on the party’s ongoing national e-registration and digital membership update, which has recorded significant growth, including increased youth participation and the integration of National Identity Number verification.”

The forum added that the initiative would facilitate data-driven decision-making, enhance demographic insights, and strengthen grassroots engagement nationwide.

Timetable and Financial Transparency Endorsed

The governors reviewed and endorsed the complete timetable and operational framework for the congresses and the national convention, as earlier approved by NEC.

They also stressed the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management throughout the exercise.

“The Forum emphasised the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of congresses and conventions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and accountability across all states, including those without APC-governed administrations,” the communiqué stated.

Reaffirming their commitment to party cohesion, the governors called for responsible communication and collective discipline, noting that internal unity remains crucial to boosting public confidence in the party’s democratic processes.

The forum further announced plans to embark on strategic engagements and state visits aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and fostering cohesion, beginning with a visit to Taraba State before extending to other parts of the country.

The PGF also formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau states into the forum, while restating its determination to work closely with the APC leadership to promote national development, democratic consolidation, and people-centred governance.

Basiru Releases Detailed Congress Schedule

In the comprehensive 2025/2026 timetable issued late last year by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the party laid out a structured schedule for its internal elections.

The document, released through Basiru’s verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, noted that the congresses are being conducted in line with Articles 11 and 17 of the APC Constitution.

Ward and Local Government Congresses: Key Dates

According to the schedule, formal notices of congresses will be sent to state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory beginning Monday, February 2, 2026.

The sale and submission of nomination forms for ward and local government positions will run from February 4 to February 9.

Screening committees will be inaugurated on February 10, while the screening of aspirants is scheduled for February 11 to February 13.

Ward congresses will take place on February 18, with appeals slated for February 19.

Local government congresses, including the election of three delegates — one of whom must be female — to the national convention, are set for February 20, while appeals will be heard on February 21.

State Congresses Fixed for March 7

The sale of forms for state executive positions will commence earlier, running from February 23 to February 27.

Screening and appeals processes will be conducted in late February and early March.

State congresses are scheduled for March 7, with appeals expected to be concluded between March 9 and March 11.

Zonal Congresses and Venues Announced

The party will then proceed to the zonal phase, with the purchase and submission of forms for zonal positions and national convention delegates scheduled between March 12 and March 17.

Zonal screening exercises will be conducted on March 19 and 20, following the inauguration of zonal congress committees on March 18.

Zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones will hold on March 21, with designated centres in Ibadan (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Rivers/Cross River (South-South), Kaduna (North-West), Gombe/Bauchi (North-East), and Nasarawa (North-Central).

Appeals arising from the zonal congresses will be heard on March 23.

National Convention Slated for March 25–28

The entire process will culminate in the APC National Convention, scheduled to take place between March 25 and March 28, marking the conclusion of the party’s internal electoral activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.