The All Progressives Congress (APC) will, from next Monday, commence the process of electing party officials from the ward level to the national level as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, which will span ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses and culminate in a national convention at the end of March, follows the conclusion of the party’s nationwide membership e-registration exercise, which ends tomorrow.
The APC’s ongoing digital membership e-registration, which began nationwide in December 2025, is scheduled to end tomorrow, January 30, 2026.
The exercise, driven by the National Working Committee, introduced the integration of National Identity Number (NIN) verification and digital data capture aimed at improving membership records, demographic analysis and grassroots mobilisation.
The commencement of the congresses was reaffirmed late Wednesday night in Abuja at a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum, following a comprehensive briefing by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee.
Both the governors and the party leadership agreed to strictly adhere to the timetable earlier ratified by the National Executive Committee of the party at its December meeting.
The meeting resolved that the process must be transparent, inclusive and anchored on internal democracy to preserve party cohesion.
Governors In Attendance
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 at the end of the meeting, the Progressive Governors Forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to strengthening democratic practices within the party.
The communiqué read in part, “The Forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to deepening internal democracy, strengthening party structures, and advancing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the APC across all levels of the federation.”
The governors welcomed the briefing by the APC chairman on the national e-registration and digital membership update, noting the growth recorded during the exercise.
According to the communiqué, “The PGF welcomed the comprehensive briefing by the APC National Chairman on the party’s ongoing national e-registration and digital membership update, which has recorded significant growth, including increased youth participation and the integration of National Identity Number verification.”
The forum said the initiative would support data-driven planning, improve demographic insights and deepen grassroots engagement across states and communities.
Timetable, Financial Accountability Endorsed
The governors reviewed and endorsed the full timetable and institutional framework for the congresses and national convention as approved by NEC.
They also emphasised transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of the congresses and conventions.
The communiqué stated, “The Forum emphasised the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of congresses and conventions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and accountability across all states, including those without APC-governed administrations.”
Reaffirming its commitment to party unity, the PGF urged responsible leadership communication and collective discipline.
It noted that internal harmony remained critical to strengthening public confidence in the APC’s democratic processes.
The forum also announced plans for strategic engagements and state visits aimed at reinforcing grassroots party structures and cohesion.
It said the engagements would begin with a visit to Taraba State, followed by visits to other states across the federation.
The Progressive Governors Forum formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau states into the forum.
It reaffirmed the resolve of Progressive Governors to work closely with the APC leadership to advance national development, democratic consolidation and people-centred governance.
Congress Timetable Released by Basiru
In the detailed 2025/2026 schedule released late last year by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the party outlined a comprehensive timeline for its internal elections.
The schedule, released via Basiru’s verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle, stated that the congresses were being conducted pursuant to Articles 11 and 17 of the APC Constitution.
Ward, LG Congresses: Key Dates
According to the timetable, the issuance of notices of congresses to state and Federal Capital Territory chapters will commence on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Purchase and submission of forms for ward and local government congresses will take place between February 4 and February 9.
Screening committees for ward and local government positions will be inaugurated on February 10, with screening of aspirants scheduled for February 11 to February 13.
Ward congresses will be held on February 18, while appeals arising from the exercise will be heard on February 19.
Local government congresses, including the election of three delegates—one of whom must be female—to the national convention, are scheduled for February 20, with appeals fixed for February 21.
State Congresses Hold March 7
The purchase of forms for state executive positions will commence earlier, from February 23 to February 27.
Screening and appeals for state executives will take place in late February and early March.
State congresses are fixed for March 7, while appeals arising from the exercise will be entertained between March 9 and March 11.
Zonal Congresses, Locations Announced
Naija News reports that the party will proceed to the zonal level with the purchase and submission of forms for zonal congresses and the national convention scheduled for March 12 to March 17.
Zonal congresses will be inaugurated on March 18, followed by the screening of aspirants on March 19 and 20.
Zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones will take place on March 21.
The designated centres are Ibadan (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Rivers/Cross River (South-South), Kaduna (North-West), Gombe/Bauchi (North-East) and Nasarawa (North-Central).
Appeals arising from the zonal congresses will be heard on March 23.
National Convention March 25-28
The process will culminate in the APC National Convention scheduled to be held between March 25 and March 28, marking the conclusion of the party’s internal electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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