APC 2026 National Convention: Party Leadership Extends Deadline for Sale of Forms

 

​In a strategic move to ensure maximum participation and inclusivity, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced an extension for the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of its much-anticipated 2026 National Convention. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the party's National Working Committee (NWC) revealed that the initial deadline has been shifted to accommodate more aspirants and streamline the administrative processes involved in the buildup to the elective event. This decision, according to party insiders, is part of a broader effort to strengthen internal democracy and provide a level playing field for all members vying for various national and zonal offices.

​The Details: Why the APC Extended the Sale of Forms

​The APC National Convention, currently slated for March 25–28, 2026, is a critical junction for the ruling party as it seeks to elect a new set of leaders to steer its affairs through the next political cycle. The decision to extend the sale of forms was reportedly prompted by an overwhelming influx of requests from stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones.

​Many aspirants cited the logistical challenges of coordinating across state lines and the need for further consultations with their local constituencies as reasons for requesting more time. By granting this extension, the NWC, led by the National Chairman, has demonstrated a commitment to "broad-based engagement," ensuring that no qualified member is disenfranchised due to rigid timelines.

​New Timelines for Aspirants and Congresses

​With the extension of the sale of forms, the APC has also adjusted its internal timetable slightly to maintain the momentum of its congresses. Key dates to watch include:

• ​Final Date for Purchase/Submission: The new deadline allows aspirants extra days to finalize their documentation and secure the necessary endorsements from their home chapters.
• ​Screening of Aspirants: Following the close of sales, the screening committees are expected to begin their work immediately to verify the credentials and party standing of all contestants.
• ​Zonal Congresses: The extension is carefully timed so as not to disrupt the zonal congresses, which serve as the foundation for the national election.

​[A flowchart showing the progression of APC Congresses from Ward to National levels]

​The party leadership has emphasized that while the date for the sale of forms has shifted, the grand finale—the National Convention in Abuja—remains firm on the calendar. This indicates that the administrative machinery is working overtime to ensure that the vetting process is both thorough and rapid.

​The Cost of Forms and the Push for Youth/Women Inclusion

​In 2026, the APC has maintained its policy of encouraging marginalized groups within the party to take up leadership roles. During the announcement of the extension, it was reiterated that:

1. ​Women and Youth: Female aspirants and those under the age of 40 continue to benefit from significant discounts on the purchase of forms, with some positions attracting only a fraction of the standard fee.
2. ​People with Disabilities (PWDs): The party has waived the cost of nomination forms for PWDs, requiring them only to pay for the expression of interest forms.

​These incentives have led to a surge in applications from younger demographics, many of whom are seeking to inject fresh ideas into the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). The extension of the sale date provides an even wider window for these "new-age" politicians to mobilize resources and finalize their bids.

​Security and Logistics for the March Convention

​As the party prepares for the influx of thousands of delegates in Abuja, the extension also provides more time for the Convention Planning Committee to finalize logistics. Security has been a major talking point, with the APC assuring members that it is working closely with the Nigerian Police Force and the DSS to ensure a hitch-free event.

​The Eagle Square, the traditional venue for such high-magnitude events, is expected to undergo significant branding and security enhancements. The extension of form sales allows the party to get a clearer picture of the number of contestants, which in turn helps in the allocation of floor space and voting booths during the convention.

​Internal Stability and the "Unity List" Debate

​While the sale of forms is a competitive process, rumors of a "Unity List" or a consensus arrangement continue to circulate within the APC's power corridors. Party leaders have urged aspirants to continue their campaigns, asserting that the primary goal is a transparent and credible election. However, the extension could also provide a window for further high-level negotiations among governors and party elders to reach a consensus on key positions, thereby avoiding a fractious convention.

​Conclusion: A Test of the APC’s Organizational Prowess

​The extension of the sale of forms for the 2026 National Convention is more than just an administrative tweak; it is a reflection of the party's responsiveness to its members' needs. As the APC moves closer to its March showdown, the eyes of the nation are on how the "ruling party" handles its internal transition. Success here will be seen as a bellwether for the party’s readiness for the next general election cycle.

​For now, the message to all aspirants is clear: the window is open, the ground is set, and the journey to the National Convention is in full swing.