The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the postponement of its governorship primary elections in Bauchi and Kwara states, two key northern states in Nigeria. The primaries have been rescheduled to Friday, May 22, 2026, according to a statement released by the party's spokesperson, Felix Morka.
APC Reschedules Primaries Following Consultations
Morka explained that the decision to postpone the elections was approved by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders. The governorship primaries are intended to select the party's candidates for the 2027 general elections, which will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC is constitutionally mandated to oversee primary elections of political parties.
In addition to the governorship primaries, the APC also rescheduled the State House of Assembly primary elections for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara State. These elections will now take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Reactions from Nigerians
The postponement has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media. Segun Benson commented on the dynamics within the Kwara APC, stating that the governor is being boxed into a corner and that more consultations are needed. Enigma suggested that the postponement goes beyond logistical issues, indicating ongoing disagreements and behind-the-scenes negotiations. Shamsuddeen praised the APC for being well-organized and expressed continued support for the party. Ibukun Adewale demanded that the governorship ticket in Kwara shift to other zones, specifically Kwara North or Kwara South, rather than remaining in Kwara Central. Diary of Freshness alleged that the postponement is a tactic to buy time for backroom deals and arm-twisting delegates.
APC Constitutes Presidential Primary Election Committee
In related news, the APC has constituted its presidential primary election committee as it wraps up governorship primaries. The committee includes former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, who served between 2000 and 2003 and also served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Other former Senate presidents and ex-speakers of the House of Representatives are also members, while Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other APC governors were appointed as state coordinators.
