The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially waived the screening requirement for Nigeria’s incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he prepares to seek a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following the 188th meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress.
APC NWC Grants Waiver Under Constitutional Powers
According to the statement, the decision to waive the screening process was made in line with the party’s constitutional provisions. Specifically, Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) empowers the NWC to organize, supervise primaries, and grant waivers under special circumstances.
Morka explained that the waiver effectively means President Tinubu has been “duly screened,” eliminating the need for him to appear before the party’s screening committee — a process that typically involves credential verification and direct questioning of aspirants.
Justification: Incumbency and Prior Screening
The APC leadership justified the move by citing Tinubu’s status as the sitting president and leader of the party. The statement also noted that he had already undergone a thorough screening ahead of the party’s 2022 presidential primaries.
Requiring him to repeat the process, the NWC argued, would be “redundant and unnecessary.”
Strong Party Endorsement
The NWC further emphasized that President Tinubu has received widespread endorsement from key stakeholders within the party. These include:
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)
Leadership and members of the National Assembly
Various APC organs and party structures
This support was notably reaffirmed during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, where a vote of confidence was passed on the president.
Implications for APC Primaries and 2027 Elections
With the screening hurdle removed, Tinubu is now positioned as the party’s frontrunner for the upcoming primaries. Reports indicate that the APC has already adopted him as its preferred candidate, pending formal ratification at the party’s national convention.
Political analysts suggest that this move signals internal party unity and a strategic effort to consolidate support early ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC’s decision to waive the screening requirement underscores the party’s confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and its intent to streamline his path toward re-election. As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, this development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
For more updates on Nigeria politics, APC primaries, and the 2027 general elections, stay tuned.