TDThe National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally resolved to waive screening requirements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s upcoming primary elections.
The decision was taken at the NWC’s 188th Meeting held on May 6, 2026.
It was announced in a statement signed by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC.
Legal Basis for Waiver
The NWC explained that the move was made pursuant to the powers conferred on it under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC Constitution.
The party’s constitution empowers the committee to organise and supervise primaries.
It also empowers it to, in special circumstances, grant waivers in the best interest of the party.
Stakeholder Endorsements
The committee noted that President Tinubu has received overwhelming endorsement and a vote of confidence from critical stakeholders of the party, including:
- The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)
- Leadership and members of the National Assembly
- Other organs of the party at the APC National Summit of May 22, 2025 and other statutory events
Redundancy of Screening
The NWC further argued that requiring Tinubu’s physical appearance before a screening committee at this time would be “redundant and unnecessary”.
It explained that he was duly screened and cleared ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries.
“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,” the statement read.
Implications
With this waiver, President Tinubu is deemed duly screened for participation in the upcoming APC primaries.
The decision underscores the party’s recognition of his leadership role and consolidates his position as the central figure in the APC ahead of the next electoral cycle.
This move is expected to shape the dynamics of the primaries, as the party signals unity and confidence in its leader while preparing for the contests ahead.
