Fresh signs have emerged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are strengthening internal coordination through a mix of private consultations, revised primary schedules and strategic political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. The President on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with APC governors at the State House in Abuja, in what sources described as part of ongoing high-level engagements within the ruling party. The session, initially slated for the Council Chamber, was moved to the President's Office Conference Room and commenced about an hour behind schedule.
Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, alongside governors such as Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while some states were represented by their deputies.
Although the official agenda of the meeting was not disclosed as of press time, the gathering came less than 24 hours after Tinubu met with Senate leadership in another emergency closed-door session, fuelling speculation about intensified political consultations ahead of key electoral activities.
Amid the consultations, the APC dismissed allegations that it plans to restrict the sale of nomination forms to a select group of aspirants, insisting that its processes remain open and inclusive ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking after the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Durosinmi Meseko described claims of hoarding forms as “baseless rumours,” stressing that all qualified members would have equal access. He said: “Nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are open. There is no restriction whatsoever. Every qualified member of the party is free to obtain forms and participate in the process.”
Meseko added 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 (INEC), noting that adjustments were made to accommodate screening processes and appeals.
Under the updated schedule, the APC shifted its presidential primary election from May 15 and 16 to May 23, 2026, while governorship primaries will now hold on May 21. The sale of nomination forms is slated for April 25 to May 2, with submission closing on May 4, followed by screening and appeals processes leading up to the primaries.
Meanwhile, indications have emerged that Tinubu is urging governors in their second and final terms to contest Senate seats in 2027 as part of a broader strategy to consolidate party loyalty and ensure coordinated electoral mobilisation.
A source familiar with the development said the move is aimed at making the elections a “collective responsibility,” with one outgoing governor admitting reluctance but noting that “in party politics, certain things cannot be helped and you have to obey your leader.” He added: “A lot of things are involved during elections… our leader wants it to be a collective responsibility for the party to win and win well.”
The strategy is already shaping political calculations in several states, including Gombe, where Governor Inuwa Yahaya could face former governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo in a potential senatorial contest, as well as Ogun, where tensions are reportedly rising between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel over the party’s ticket.
