APC Screening Controversy: 150 Aspirants Disqualified
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing an internal crisis as its pre-primary screening exercises in at least ten states have been marred by controversies. Approximately 150 aspirants have been disqualified, leading to tensions within the ruling party. The screening process, intended to reduce the number of aspirants ahead of the primaries, has instead generated petitions, protests, accusations of imposition, and legal threats.
States Affected by the Screening Disputes
The ten states where the screening has sparked controversy include Kano, Taraba, Anambra, Jigawa, Kogi, Benue, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Plateau, and Rivers. Aggrieved aspirants in these states are mobilizing petitions and considering legal actions against the outcome of the screening exercise. The disputes highlight significant cracks within the APC over the use of consensus arrangements and the disqualification of aspirants.
According to reports, the screening was part of the APC's national process to streamline candidates for the primaries. However, the exercise has been contentious, and disqualified aspirants are expected to seek redress through the party's appeal committees. Protests have already erupted in some states, while stakeholders in others have warned that imposing candidates could trigger defections, deepen internal divisions, and lead to anti-party activities.
APC Waives Screening for President Tinubu
In a related development, the screening committee waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu. This decision has sparked widespread discussion about the APC's preparedness for the 2027 general elections. Some Nigerians have expressed support, while others have criticized the move as a mere formality that underscores the power of incumbency.
Adamu Abubakar praised the president, stating, "We need no time to waste on President Tinubu's journey back to Aso Rock Villa. He did everything needed to earn our confidence and trust. Wasting any time is a threat to the ongoing reform." Conversely, Diary of Freshness criticized the APC, saying, "The screening was always a formality. The APC is just removing the mask and admitting that incumbency is the only requirement that actually matters." Another commenter, Jiri, noted, "In summary, the APC NWC has removed the screening step for President Tinubu ahead of the party primaries, saying he has already been screened before and, as the sitting president with strong party support, he does not need to go through it again." Sadeeq added, "Finally! No time for unnecessary drama. President Tinubu has the full backing of the party, governors, and the National Assembly. The real work is Renewed Hope 2.0 for Nigeria."
Deputy Speaker Kalu Addresses Nomination Speculations
Legit.ng earlier reported that Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, dismissed speculations that a list of shortlisted candidates had been prepared for the APC in the 2027 elections. In a statement, Kalu explained that such a list would violate the principles of participatory democracy. He emphasized that the party's nomination processes would follow established procedures.
