2027: APC Finalises Nationwide Campaign Plan Ahead of August 19 Kick-Off
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, says it is finalising a comprehensive nationwide campaign programme ahead of the August 19, 2026 date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, which lasted several hours.
Morka said the party was deliberately taking time to put together its campaign strategy and programme before commencing its nationwide mobilisation, stressing that the August 19 date fixed by INEC marks the legal commencement of campaigns but does not compel political parties to organise rallies on the same day.
According to him, the APC would unveil a detailed campaign schedule after consultations with relevant stakeholders and candidates across the country.
“August 19 is the date fixed by INEC for all parties to start the presidential and National Assembly campaign. There is no law that says we must start on that day. The only thing is, no political party is permitted to start ahead of the day,” Morka said.
He added, “The party is coming up with a comprehensive and well-thought-out nationwide campaign schedule after necessary consultation with critical stakeholders and affected candidates. There is no law that says we must start on Wednesday.”
The August 19 commencement date represents a major milestone in INEC’s timetable for the 2027 General Elections. Under the revised schedule, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will officially begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled to commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled to hold on February 6, 2027.
With the campaign window now set to open, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify their mobilisation and engagement with voters across the country. The APC’s proposed campaign programme is expected to outline its national rallies, regional flag-offs and candidate tours across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The ruling party’s decision to finalise its campaign structure before commencing activities is also expected to provide a coordinated framework for its candidates and supporters as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Under electoral guidelines, political parties and candidates are required to end public campaigns 24 hours before Election Day, making the months ahead a crucial period for parties to present their programmes and policies to the electorate.