Party sets August 18–24 for primaries as INEC schedules September 19 bye-elections across six states
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its primary election timetable for the newly restored state constituencies in Delta and Kogi states, alongside bye-elections in Gombe, Bauchi, and Kano — setting the stage for a busy electoral season.
The development follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision last Saturday to restore the additional State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi, pursuant to court judgments. INEC had fixed August 21–25, 2026, for party primaries across all affected constituencies.
Constituencies Up for Grabs
The APC will conduct primaries in the following constituencies:
Delta State:
· Abraka State Constituency
· Isoko North II State Constituency
· Ughelli South II State Constituency
Kogi State:
· Yagba West II State Constituency
Other Affected Seats:
· Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency (Gombe State)
· Disina State Constituency (Bauchi State)
· Sakwa State Constituency (Bauchi State)
· Udu State Constituency (Delta State)
· Dawakin Kudu State Constituency (Kano State)
Primary Election Timeline
The APC primaries officially began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and will run through Monday, August 24, 2026 — aligning with INEC’s window for party primaries across all affected constituencies.
Aspirants’ Fees: A Heavy Price for Candidacy
The party has set the following fees for interested aspirants:
House of Assembly Candidates:
· Expression of Interest Form: N1 million
· Nomination Form: N5 million
· Total: N6 million
House of Representatives Candidates:
· Expression of Interest Form: N1 million
· Nomination Form: N9 million
· Total: N10 million
Discounts for Women, Youth, and PWDs
In a bid to encourage inclusivity, the APC announced a 50 percent discount on nomination forms for:
· Female aspirants
· Youths
· Physically challenged aspirants
However, all categories must still pay the full N1 million for the expression of interest form.
What’s Next?
INEC has fixed September 19, 2026, as the election date for all affected constituencies. The APC’s primaries will determine the party’s flagbearers for the crucial polls, which include the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election triggered by the death of Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo.
