The All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced plans to conduct direct primary elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2026 election cycle, including preparations for the Lagos 2027 governorship race.
In a formal notification sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and party members nationwide, the APC leadership stated that there would be no room for consensus candidacy, stressing its commitment to transparency, fairness and internal democracy.
According to the timetable released by the party, presidential primaries will hold from May 15 to May 16, 2026, while House of Representatives primaries are scheduled for May 18. Senate primaries will take place on May 20, State House of Assembly primaries on May 21 and governorship primaries on May 23, 2026.
The party assured aspirants of equal opportunities during the exercise and encouraged members to actively participate in the process.
Ahead of the primaries, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly appealed to party faithful and aspirants to respect the democratic process in order to avoid internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Lagos State, support continues to grow for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, whose governorship ambition has received endorsements from major stakeholders, including labour unions, APC leaders and political groups within the state.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Lagos reportedly backed Hamzat’s candidacy, while endorsements have also come from the Governance Advisory Council, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and other top APC figures.
Meanwhile, businessman and APC aspirant Samuel Mauyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, has reaffirmed his intention to remain in the governorship race despite growing support for Hamzat.
Ajose expressed confidence in the party’s promise of a transparent primary election and pledged continued loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu ahead of the next general election.
Political observers believe the Lagos governorship contest is already shaping up to become one of the most closely watched races ahead of 2027.
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