Fresh signs indicate that Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress are tightening internal coordination through private consultations, adjusted primary schedules and strategic deployment of governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu on Thursday met behind closed doors with governors elected on the APC platform at the State House in Abuja. The meeting, initially slated for 4 p.m. at the Council Chamber, began about an hour later after it was moved to the president’s office conference room.
Governors present included Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman Hope Uzodinma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah, and Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, among others. Some states were represented by deputy governors.
The agenda was not immediately disclosed. The meeting came less than 24 hours after Tinubu held a separate closed-door session with Senate leaders, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Sources said the engagements are linked to ongoing political consultations ahead of the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, the APC denied claims it plans to restrict access to nomination forms. Speaking after the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Durosinmi Meseko said all qualified members would have equal access. He was joined by Tolu Bankole .
Meseko described allegations of hoarding forms as “baseless rumors,” adding that the party had approved a revised timetable aligned with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and the schedule of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Under the new timetable, presidential primaries will hold May 23, 2026, moved from May 15-16, while governorship primaries are set for May 21. Sale of nomination forms runs from April 25 to May 2, with submission closing May 4.
Screening of aspirants for legislative and governorship races is scheduled for May 6-8, with presidential screening on May 9. Results will be published May 11, followed by appeals from May 12-13.
Primary elections begin with the House of Representatives on May 15, Senate on May 18 and state assemblies on May 20. Post-primary appeals will run between May 18 and May 25, depending on the category.
The party also released a timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara, beginning April 28.
Meseko said the APC will use both direct and consensus primaries, as allowed under the Electoral Act.
Separately, Tinubu is reported to have urged governors serving their final terms to contest Senate seats in 2027, in a move aimed at strengthening party loyalty and coordination.
Nigeria’s election timetable shows presidential and National Assembly elections will be held Jan. 16, 2027.
Sources said the strategy is intended to keep outgoing governors politically engaged during the elections and ensure broader participation in campaign efforts.
The move could reshape contests in several states. In Gombe, it may set up a race between former governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and incumbent Gov. Yahaya for the Gombe North Senate seat.
In Ogun, tensions are already emerging between Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Sen. Gbenga Daniel over the Ogun East senatorial ticket.
Political analysts say the developments highlight early maneuvering within parties as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
