By Our Correspondent

As 2027 polls draws close,the rulling Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted direct primary elections across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),shutting the door on consensus candidacy.

The party made the announcement in a formal notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its members nationwide.

APC leadership said the decision reflects its commitment to transparency and internal democracy.

“There will be no room for consensus candidacy,” the party stated, signaling an end to arrangements where candidates emerged through negotiations among party leaders and stakeholders. The move shifts selection power directly to registered members.

According to the timetable released, the primaries will run for nine days in May 2026, covering all elective positions from presidential to state assembly seats. The schedule is designed to ensure a structured and orderly process across the country.

The exercise begins with Presidential Primaries on May 15–16, 2026. The two-day window will determine who flies the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections, with all card-carrying members eligible to vote.

House of Representatives Primaries are scheduled for May 18, 2026. Members in each of the 360 federal constituencies will cast votes directly to choose their candidates, bypassing delegates.

Senate primaries will follow on May 20, 2026, covering all 109 senatorial districts. The party said the direct method is intended to broaden participation and reduce post-primary disputes.
State Houses of Assembly primaries are slated for May 21, 2026. The date will see members across 991 state constituencies participate in selecting candidates for their respective state legislatures.

Governorship primaries will conclude the process on May 23, 2026, in states where elections are due. The APC said the sequencing allows for adequate mobilisation and coordination with INEC and security agencies.

The party assured all aspirants of a level playing field throughout the exercise. “Every member will have the opportunity to participate directly,” the leadership stated, emphasising that the direct primary model is meant to reflect the true will of the party’s base ahead of the 2027 elections.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Arising from a high-level press conference held in Yenagoa, the Nembe-Sei Unity Forum (NUF) has called on aspirants jostling for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency Ticket in the APC, to stop name dropping as a ploy to deceive the public to gain public sympathy and endorsement.

During an interactive session with journalists, the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Ayebaibeinmo Ifamo, detailed what stands out among the shortlisted aspirants recommended by the Consensus Harmonization Committee—a committee established under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Leader of Bayelsa state.

The Forum called for justice and equity zoning, emphasized that the decision to cede the ticket to Ogbolomabiri is a matter of social justice. Historical records show that for nearly 25 years, whenever the seat has been zoned to Nembe, it has been held by brothers from the Bassambiri axis and therefore a son of Bassambiri or anyone from mini/Ikensi still under Bassambiri axis should not contest for the sake of fairness and equity and social justice for Ogbolomabiri.
> “For the sake of peace and unity, Bassambiri stakeholders have already ceded this turn to Ogbolomabiri. We caution aspirants like the former APC Chairman, **Dr. Dennis Otiotio**, to stop attempting to sideline these recommendations. To disregard the stakeholders is to disregard the foundation of the party’s peace in The region.”Respect for Party Supremacy
In a direct message to Dr. Otiotio, the Forum urged him to respect the party’s hierarchy.
> “We find it disappointing that a former Chairman, whose own authority was never undermined during his six-year tenure, would now seek to disregard constituted authority. He must wait for the rotation to return to Bassambiri and stop the attempts at arm-twisting the party leadership.”

They equally Warned Against “Governor’s Name” Deception

The NUF strongly cautioned Dr. Dennis Otiotio and Hon.gave Jonathan Obuebite against the dangerous trend of name-dropping. The group revealed that these aspirants been deceiving “gullible” party faithful by claiming they have received a “sole endorsement” from Governor Douye Diri.
> “Governor Diri is a man of transparency and integrity. He would never condone the subversion of a stakeholder-led process. These aspirants are resorting to name-dropping because they are **afraid of a direct primary**. They know that the grassroots and the stakeholders do not support their bid based on their previous dismal performances in public office.”

The Forum commended Governor Douye Diri for his fatherly role and for providing a level playing field through the Harmonization Committee. They expressed total confidence that the Governor will stand by the principles of fairness and equity by ratifying a candidate from Ogbolomabiri

The Nembe-Sei Unity Forum maintains that the APC needs a candidate who can win on merit, unity, and grassroots acceptance. An aspirant that embodies these qualities. The group warned that any attempt to impose a rejected candidate through Abuja-led influence or blackmail will be met with stiff resistance from the people of Nembe and Brass local government areas.

By Our Correspondent

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere has extended his heartfelt greetings to the workers of the National Assembly Service Commission, describing them as the engine room of Nigeria’s democracy.

” Your mandate is the sinew and spine upon which the strength and stability of our National Legislature depends”, he enthused.

In statement signed by the Commission’s Director,Public Affairs, E N Anyigor, Dr Enyiekere conveyed his appreciation of the enormous contributions of the Legislative workers in his message to mark this year’s May Day/ Workers Day Celebration in Abuja.

He commended their dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Enyiekere praised the commitment of legislative staff who continue to provide critical support services that ensure the effective functioning of the National Assembly,
noting that the role of workers in the legislature remains indispensable, as their professionalism and hard work sustain the operations of one of the country’s most important democratic institutions.

The NASC Chairman assured staff members that the Commission remains committed to improving their welfare, enhancing career development opportunities, and creating a more conducive working environment for all legislative workers.

According to him, the Commission is already taking steps to implement reforms and policies that will positively impact staff wellbeing, productivity, and morale.

He urged the workers to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to excellence, assuring them that their sacrifices and contributions would continue to be recognized and rewarded.

He reaffirmed the determination of the Commission to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that better days lie ahead for legislative workers across the nation .

“Your dedication to duty is highly appreciated. The Commission is committed to ensuring improved welfare and a brighter future for all staff,” he said.

This was Dr Enyiekere’s first Worker’s Day message to the Legislative Workers as his 6th National Assembly Service Commission was inaugurated on 5th May, 2025.