The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held its governorship primary elections in 28 out of 36 states in Nigeria, skipping eight states due to their off-cycle election schedules. The primaries took place on Thursday, May 21, with many incumbent governors securing their return tickets. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
States Where Primaries Were Not Held
The eight states where APC did not conduct primaries are those with off-cycle governorship elections. These states will hold their elections separately from the 2027 general elections. Below are the details:
Anambra State
Anambra's last governorship election was in December 2025, where Governor Charles Soludo was re-elected. Therefore, no primary was needed for the 2027 general election cycle.
Bayelsa State
Bayelsa's off-cycle election was held in November 2023, and the next is scheduled for November 2027, before Governor Douye Diri's term ends. No primary was conducted.
Edo State
Edo held its governorship election in September 2024, electing Governor Monday Okpebholo. The next election is expected in 2028, so no primary was held.
Ekiti State
Ekiti's governorship election is set for June 2026, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji seeking re-election. The APC did not conduct a primary as the election is off-cycle.
Imo State
Imo's next governorship election is in 2028. Governor Hope Uzodimma, whose term ends then, is contesting for the Senate in 2027. No primary was held.
Other States
The remaining three states are Kogi, Ondo, and Osun. Their governors are Usman Ododo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Ademola Adeleke, respectively. Ondo and Kogi are APC-controlled, while Osun's governor recently defected from the PDP to the Accord Party ahead of the August 2026 election.
APC Primaries in 28 States
The APC successfully conducted primaries in 28 states, with many governors securing their tickets. For instance, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris was unanimously affirmed as the sole candidate during a primary at the Haliru Abdul Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, drawing massive support from delegates across all 225 wards.
The party's adherence to INEC monitoring ensures compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
