All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the House of Representatives primaries to May 16, 2026. This move follows a 24-hour adjustment from the previously scheduled date of May 15.
President Bola Tinubu has been very vocal about the stakes of these internal elections, framing them not just as a selection process, but as a “referendum” on the party’s maturity.
In a statement issued ahead of the exercise, President Tinubu emphasized that the party must move past “do-or-die” politics.
He urged party leaders and governors to provide a level playing field, rising above personal sentiments to ensure fairness for all aspirants. While acknowledging direct primaries, the President encouraged the use of consensus arrangements where possible to minimize “rancour and bad blood.”
He specifically cautioned winners against “triumphalism” and losers against causing fractures, stating that politics should never be a zero-sum game.
With today’s adjustment, the rest of the party’s primary schedule remains tight as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The President also made a point to call for the inclusion of women and youth during this cycle, signaling a push for a more diverse candidate pool. Security agencies have also been directed to remain professional and strictly focus on maintaining order without interfering in the political process.
