 begins ward-to-national congresses on Monday as part of preparations for the 2026 general elections, with its national convention slated for late March.){kind=link}
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to commence a nationwide process to elect new party officials from the ward to the national level, marking a major step in preparations for Nigeria’s next general elections.
The process begins on Monday, following the conclusion of the party’s nationwide electronic registration of members, which ends tomorrow. The congresses will run through ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in the APC’s national convention scheduled for the end of March.
The timeline was reaffirmed on Sunday night in Abuja when the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) met with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, led by National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Both sides pledged to ensure party cohesion, transparency and credibility throughout the exercise.
The governors also confirmed that the timetable had earlier been ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its December meeting.
Governors present at the meeting 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 reiterated its commitment to strengthening internal democracy, promoting transparency and accountability, and deepening inclusiveness within the party across all levels of the federation.
The Forum welcomed the briefing by the APC chairman on the ongoing e-registration and digital membership update, noting that the exercise had recorded significant growth, particularly among youths, and now integrates National Identity Number (NIN) verification. According to the governors, the initiative will improve data-driven planning and strengthen grassroots engagement nationwide.
The PGF endorsed the NEC-approved timetable and institutional framework for the ward, local government, state, zonal congresses and the national convention. It also stressed the need for transparent and coordinated financial management to ensure fairness across all states, including those not governed by the APC.
Reaffirming its commitment to party unity, the Forum called for responsible leadership communication and collective discipline to boost public confidence in the APC’s democratic processes. It also announced a series of strategic engagements and state visits, beginning with Taraba State, aimed at reinforcing grassroots structures and party cohesion.
The Forum formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau states into its fold and expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and other members of the NWC for their engagement.
According to the 2025/2026 timetable released late last year by Basiru, the APC’s nationwide e-registration, which began in December, ends tomorrow. Notices of congresses will be issued to state and Federal Capital Territory chapters on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The purchase and submission of forms for ward and local government congresses will take place between February 4 and February 9, with screening scheduled for February 11 to 13. Ward congresses will hold on February 18, followed by local government congresses on February 20, during which delegates to the national convention will be elected.
State congress activities begin later in February, with state congresses fixed for March 7. Zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones are scheduled for March 21, while appeals will be heard on March 23.
The process will climax with the APC National Convention, slated for March 25 to March 28, where the party’s national leadership will emerge ahead of the 2026 general elections.