If you are an APC member or just a Nigerian paying attention to the 2027 elections, you have probably heard the words “direct primaries” and “consensus” thrown around. But what do these terms actually mean for how the party chooses its candidates? The All Progressives Congress is currently conducting its presidential primaries across all 8,809 wards in the country using direct primaries. This is a major shift from the old delegate system, and understanding how it works is important for every party member who wants to participate.
What Are Direct Primaries?
A primary election is essentially a mini-election where a political party selects its preferred candidate to run for public office under its platform. The APC has chosen to use direct primaries nationwide for its 2027 presidential primaries. But what makes direct primaries different?
Under the direct primary system, every registered APC member in each of the 8,809 wards is eligible to cast a vote for the presidential aspirant of their choice. This represents a departure from the delegate-based model that has historically concentrated the power of nomination in the hands of a few party officials and delegates. The direct primaries are scheduled to hold on May 23, 2026, with results from each ward collated at the local government level. The scale of this exercise makes it one of the most expansive intra-party ballots the APC has conducted, requiring the simultaneous deployment of party machinery across hundreds of local governments and thousands of wards in 36 states and the FCT.
The direct primary system is believed to be more corruption-free and eliminates the delegates’ congress system with all its oft-cited woes. It promotes people’s power through increased participation and guarantees a say for every party member. When a candidate emerges through direct primaries, it means they have the mandate of the generality of party members.
What Is the Consensus Option?
The Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) allows parties to choose direct, indirect, or consensus, but the latest Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, prescribes only direct and consensus mode of primary election for the nomination of candidates for elections by political parties. In a consensus arrangement, all aspirants in a political party withdraw and endorse a particular candidate. In this case, there won’t be a primary election.
However, consensus is not a decree from the party leadership. Under Article 20.2(a) of the APC Constitution, there are three paths to securing the APC ticket: Direct Primaries, Indirect Primaries, or Consensus. But consensus can only exist where there is a “mutual agreement”. If a single cleared aspirant says no, the consensus arrangement collapses.
The Electoral Act reinforces this. Section 84(9) demands the written consent of every cleared aspirant before a consensus candidate can be validated. Section 84(10) is even more direct: if that written consent is missing, the party must conduct primaries.
Which Method Is Being Used for 2027?
For the 2027 presidential primaries, the APC is using direct primaries across all 8,809 wards. The party has constituted a seven-member Presidential Primary Election Committee headed by a former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, to manage the process. A Presidential Primary Election Appeal Committee was also set up, with Hon. Aminu Masari as Chairman. State Coordinators and Collation Officers are managing the process in their respective states, with prominent party figures like Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu serving as coordinators.
The party has also had to dismiss a purported list of successful candidates circulating online, describing it as fake and unauthorized. The party explained that successful aspirants would be officially informed through recognized communication channels before being issued Certificates of Return.
What This Means for Party Members
For ordinary APC members, the shift to direct primaries means your vote actually counts. You are no longer relying on a small group of delegates to decide who represents the party. This is a significant step toward strengthening internal democracy, party cohesion, and grassroots participation. The success of the e-registration exercise, which over ten million members have completed nationwide, has provided a transparent, credible, and verifiable database that qualifies members to vote and be voted for.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between direct primaries and consensus?
Direct primaries involve all registered party members voting to choose a candidate, while consensus means all aspirants agree to endorse one candidate without conducting a primary election.
2. When are the APC 2027 presidential primaries taking place?
The presidential primaries are scheduled to hold on May 23, 2026, across all 8,809 wards in the country.
3. Can the party impose a consensus candidate without aspirants agreeing?
No. Under the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act, consensus requires the written consent of every cleared aspirant. If any aspirant does not agree, the party must conduct primaries.
4. How are the primary results announced?
Successful candidates are formally notified through the party’s official communication channels before being issued Certificates of Return. Any list circulating on social media that is not from the party’s official channels should be disregarded.
5. Do I need to be a registered APC member to vote in the primaries?
Yes. You must be a registered APC member with a valid membership record in the party’s digital database.
