The All Progressives Congress has officially postponed its House of Representatives primary election earlier scheduled to hold on Friday, shifting the exercise to Saturday, May 16, 2026, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for its nationwide primaries ahead of the general elections.
The postponement was confirmed in an official statement released on Thursday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who explained that only the House of Representatives primary timetable had been adjusted, while all other previously announced dates for Senate, governorship, State House of Assembly, and presidential primaries remain unchanged.
According to the revised timetable released by the party, the House of Representatives primaries will now take place on Saturday, May 16, while Senate primaries are scheduled for Monday, May 18. The State House of Assembly primaries will hold on Wednesday, May 20, followed by governorship primaries on Thursday, May 21, while the presidential primary election is expected to conclude the process on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Although the APC did not officially disclose the specific reason for the sudden postponement of the House of Representatives primaries, party insiders believe the adjustment may be connected to ongoing consultations, logistics coordination, and internal efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth and credible exercise across the country.
The development comes amid heightened political activities within the ruling party as aspirants intensify campaigns and consultations ahead of the highly anticipated primaries expected to shape the APC’s electoral strategy for the next general elections.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned party members, aspirants, delegates, and stakeholders against engaging in destructive political battles capable of threatening party unity and internal stability.
In a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, Tinubu appealed to APC members nationwide to avoid hostility, bitterness, and divisive conduct during the primary elections, stressing that politics should never become a desperate contest driven by hatred or desperation for power.
The President stated that the APC had deliberately moved beyond the era of toxic “do-or-die” politics and should continue promoting democratic values rooted in fairness, peace, tolerance, and healthy competition.
Tinubu explained that the primary elections represent a critical stage in the party’s democratic process and should be approached with maturity, discipline, and commitment to the collective interest of the APC rather than personal ambition.
According to him, elections are fundamental pillars of democracy, and where consensus arrangements fail to emerge, aspirants and delegates must still conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully throughout the process.
The President urged all contestants to see the primaries as an opportunity to strengthen the ruling party rather than create factions, tension, or long-term political bitterness that could weaken the APC ahead of national elections.
He further advised party members participating either as contestants or voters to maintain peace, respect democratic procedures, and demonstrate sportsmanship regardless of the eventual outcome of the contests.
Tinubu also warned aspirants against actions capable of undermining internal democracy or destabilising the unity of the ruling party, insisting that the APC’s strength depends largely on its ability to manage internal competition responsibly.
The President stressed that those who eventually emerge victorious during the primaries must avoid arrogance, excessive celebration, or actions capable of humiliating defeated opponents.
At the same time, he urged unsuccessful aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith and continue supporting the party’s broader political objectives rather than engaging in anti-party activities or creating divisions.
Tinubu maintained that the APC must remain united and disciplined if it hopes to sustain political dominance and continue implementing its governance agenda across the country.
Political observers believe the President’s warning reflects growing concerns within the party over possible tensions and power struggles that often accompany primary elections, especially as competition intensifies among aspirants seeking key political tickets.
The APC primaries are expected to attract nationwide attention, particularly the presidential contest, which party leaders describe as one of the most significant political exercises ahead of the next electoral cycle.
