APC Governors Voice Frustration Over End of Indirect Primaries in Electoral Act 2026

Less than a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed concerns over the removal of the indirect primary system. Sources indicate that several governors felt sidelined during the legislative process, which they say was dominated by lawmakers and fast-tracked to presidential assent.

A governor from the South East reportedly described the situation as unexpected, while meeting with an ally of the president in Abuja alongside a South West counterpart to express reservations. The governors argue that eliminating indirect primaries limits their ability to influence candidate selection within the party, particularly for National Assembly elections ahead of 2027.

The 2026 Act prescribes only direct primaries and consensus for party nominations, replacing the 2022 Electoral Act, which allowed direct, indirect, and consensus primaries. The indirect system, also known as the delegate model, previously allowed governors to shape the composition of party delegates and, by extension, candidate outcomes. Sources close to the governors said they had expected more consultation before the bill was signed, especially regarding candidate selection processes.

Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, dismissed suggestions that governors were sidelined. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma emphasized that the amendment followed due legislative procedure and reflected the national interest. He added that APC governors remain committed to party decisions and have no reason to feel outmaneuvered.

President Tinubu signed the bill at the Presidential Villa, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and other officials in attendance. The legislation contains 154 clauses, but Clause 60—which makes electronic transmission of election results optional—has drawn the most public scrutiny. Earlier drafts mandated direct electronic transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal.

While APC governors focus on the internal impact of the changes, proponents argue the shift to direct primaries and consensus strengthens grassroots participation and reduces concentrated influence within state leadership. As parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, the new rules are expected to reshape strategies and candidate selection across party lines.