The All Progressives Congress has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, declaring him duly cleared to participate in the exercise.
The decision was reached during the 188th meeting of the party’s National Working Committee held on Wednesday, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the waiver was granted in line with provisions of the APC constitution.
“The National Working Committee… resolved to waive, and has waived, screening requirements for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and deemed him duly screened,” the statement read.
Mr Morka explained that the decision was based on powers granted to the NWC under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the party’s constitution, which allows the committee to organise and supervise party primaries and grant waivers under special circumstances.
The move comes amid growing endorsements for Mr Tinubu within the ruling party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
APC cites previous screening, endorsements
According to the APC, the President had already undergone screening ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, making another appearance before a screening panel unnecessary.
“It further noted that… requiring his physical appearance before a screening committee at this time would be redundant and unnecessary,” the statement added.
The party also referenced endorsements from the Progressive Governors Forum, National Assembly leadership, and other stakeholders during the APC National Summit held on 22 May, 2025.
Sale of forms, screening timeline
The APC began the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on 28 April, with the process officially closing at midnight on 6 May.
The screening exercise for aspirants is expected to commence on 8 May.
Earlier, James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, purchased the ₦100 million expression of interest and nomination forms for the President.
INEC Timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 16 January, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are slated for Saturday, 6 February, 2027.
INEC also fixed the period for party primaries and resolution of disputes between 23 April and 30 May, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to begin on 19 August, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on 9 September, 2026.
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