In a significant move to streamline the internal electoral process, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially waived all screening requirements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s upcoming presidential primary elections.
The decision was reached during the NWC’s 188th Meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory. By virtue of this resolution, the President is now deemed duly screened and cleared to participate in the primaries without the need for a physical appearance before a screening panel.
Legal Framework and Party Authority
The NWC invoked its statutory powers to bypass the traditional vetting process, citing the need to act in the best interest of the political organization. According to the party’s leadership, the waiver was granted pursuant to Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC Constitution, which empowers the committee to organize primaries and grant special concessions when necessary.
“The NWC noted that, as the incumbent President and leader of our great 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,” stated Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC.
Widespread Internal Support
The party leadership emphasized that the waiver is a reflection of the overwhelming vote of confidence President Tinubu has received from various high-ranking organs within the APC. The committee highlighted that the President’s candidacy has already been bolstered by endorsements from the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the leadership of the National Assembly.
This momentum traces back to the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, where critical stakeholders first consolidated their support for the President’s continued leadership. By removing the screening hurdle, the NWC has effectively signaled a unified front as the party prepares for the 2027 general election cycle.
Streamlining the Primary Process
By declaring the President duly screened in absentia, the APC aims to avoid the administrative formalities typically required of aspirants. The NWC reiterated that the President’s status as the incumbent and party leader warrants this special circumstance waiver, ensuring that the party’s resources and focus remain on the broader electoral strategy rather than internal redundant checks.
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