By Peter Omopo
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s forthcoming presidential primaries, declaring him automatically cleared to participate in the exercise.
The decision was reached during the NWC’s 188th meeting held on May 6, 2026, and was disclosed in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to the APC leadership, the waiver was granted based on provisions of the party’s constitution, citing Tinubu’s status as the incumbent president, his previous clearance during the 2022 presidential primaries, and endorsements from major stakeholders within the party.
The party explained that the decision was taken under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC Constitution, which empowers the NWC to organise and supervise party primaries and grant waivers under special circumstances in the interest of the party.
The APC noted that President Tinubu had already received overwhelming endorsements and votes of confidence from critical stakeholders, including members of the Progressive Governors Forum, the National Assembly leadership, and other organs of the party during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, and at other statutory gatherings.
The statement added that requiring the president to appear physically before a screening committee would be unnecessary, considering that he had already undergone screening and clearance before the 2022 presidential contest.
The development comes as the APC recently extended the deadlines for the sale and submission of expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections.
The party also reviewed its screening timetable as part of efforts to accommodate more aspirants participating in the ongoing process.
