The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a detailed timetable for its ward-to-national congresses as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party will begin the process next Monday, with elections slated to hold at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, before culminating in a national convention at the end of March.
This development follows the conclusion of the APC’s nationwide digital membership e-registration exercise, which is scheduled to end tomorrow, January 30, 2026. The exercise, which commenced in December 2025, was coordinated by the National Working Committee and featured National Identity Number (NIN) verification and digital data capture to enhance membership records, demographic analysis and grassroots mobilisation.
The commencement of the congresses was reaffirmed late Wednesday night in Abuja during a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), after a detailed briefing by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee.
At the meeting, both the governors and party leadership agreed to strictly follow the timetable earlier approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its December meeting. They resolved that the entire process must be transparent, inclusive and guided by internal democracy to sustain party unity.
Governors in Attendance
Governors present included 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 issued after the meeting, the PGF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic practices within the APC.
“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 communiqué stated.
The governors also welcomed the briefing on the party’s digital membership update, noting the growth recorded during the exercise, including increased youth participation and the integration of NIN verification. They said the initiative would support data-driven planning, improve demographic insights and deepen grassroots engagement nationwide.
Timetable and Financial Accountability Endorsed
The forum reviewed and endorsed the full timetable and institutional framework for the congresses and national convention as approved by NEC. It also stressed the need for transparent and coordinated financial management throughout the process.
According to the communiqué, the governors emphasised fairness, consistency and accountability across all states, including those not governed by the APC.
Reaffirming its commitment to party unity, the PGF urged responsible communication and collective discipline, noting that internal harmony remains vital to boosting public confidence in the party’s democratic processes.
The forum also announced plans for strategic engagements and state visits to strengthen grassroots structures, beginning with a visit to Taraba State, followed by others across the federation. It formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau states into the Progressive Governors Forum.
Congress Timetable Released by Basiru
In the detailed 2025/2026 schedule earlier released by APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the party outlined the full timeline for its internal elections, in line with Articles 11 and 17 of the APC Constitution.
Issuance of notices for ward and local government congresses to state and FCT chapters will begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. The sale and submission of forms will run from February 4 to February 9.
Screening committees will be inaugurated on February 10, with screening of aspirants scheduled for February 11 to 13. Ward congresses will hold on February 18, while appeals will be heard on February 19.
Local government congresses, including the election of three delegates—one of whom must be female—to the national convention, are slated for February 20, with appeals fixed for February 21.
State, Zonal Congresses and National Convention
The purchase of forms for state executive positions will take place from February 23 to February 27, with screening and appeals concluding in early March. State congresses are scheduled for March 7, while appeals will run from March 9 to March 11.
Zonal congress activities, including the purchase and submission of forms for zonal positions and the national convention, will take place between March 12 and March 17. Zonal congresses will be inaugurated on March 18, followed by screening on March 19 and 20.
Zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones will hold on March 21 at designated centres: Ibadan (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Rivers/Cross River (South-South), Kaduna (North-West), Gombe/Bauchi (North-East) and Nasarawa (North-Central). Appeals will be heard on March 23.
The entire process will culminate in the APC National Convention scheduled for March 25 to March 28, marking the conclusion of the party’s internal electoral activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
