The All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, declaring him duly cleared in line with its constitution and internal procedures.
The decision was reached during the 188th meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), held on Wednesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement issued after the meeting, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the waiver was granted under the powers vested in the NWC by Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the party’s constitution.
According to the statement, the provisions empower the committee to organise and supervise party primaries and grant waivers where necessary in the interest of the party.
“The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, at its 188th meeting held today, May 6, 2026, resolved to waive, and has waived, screening requirements for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and deemed him duly screened in accordance with the Constitution of the party for the purpose of participation in the upcoming primary elections,” the statement read.
APC Cites Endorsements, Previous Screening
The party said its decision was influenced by the endorsement and vote of confidence Tinubu had received from key stakeholders within the APC.
According to the NWC, the President had already secured backing from the Progressive Governors Forum, members and leadership of the National Assembly, and other party organs during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, as well as at other statutory meetings.
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The committee also noted that Tinubu had previously undergone screening ahead of the APC presidential primaries in 2022.
“It further noted that, as the incumbent President and leader of the party, having been duly screened and cleared ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, requiring his physical appearance before a screening committee at this time would be redundant and unnecessary,” the statement added.
Sale of Forms Closes, Screening Begins May 8
The APC began the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the exercise closing at midnight on May 6.
Screening of aspirants is expected to commence on May 8.
The President’s N100 million expression of interest and nomination forms were purchased on April 28 by the founder of the Tinubu Support Groups and member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Faleke.
INEC Outlines Election Timetable
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC also announced that party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from them would hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
According to the commission, campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.