The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party's 2027 presidential primary election. This effectively treats Tinubu as having already been screened, streamlining his path to the party's nomination.
The decision was finalized during the party's 188th meeting held on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and is grounded in the provisions of the APC constitution governing internal electoral processes. The APC leadership emphasized that the move was anchored on its constitutional authority to organize and supervise primaries, including the power to grant waivers under special circumstances.
Decision Backed by Party Constitutional Powers
The APC explained that the resolution was made under Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of its constitution, which empowers the NWC to act in the best interest of the party during electoral preparations. According to the party, President Tinubu had already secured widespread endorsements from key stakeholders within the party structure, including governors, lawmakers, and other critical blocs.
The party referenced the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly, and resolutions from the APC National Summit held on 22 May 2025 as evidence of consolidated support for Tinubu's candidacy.
Screening Deemed Unnecessary by APC Leadership
The APC further argued that requiring the president to undergo physical screening at this stage would be redundant. Given his previous clearance during the 2022 presidential primary process, the party stated: "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 NWC maintained that the waiver reflected internal consensus and stability within the party as it begins early preparations for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, who confirmed the outcome of the meeting and the formal approval of the waiver.
This development underscores the APC's strategy to consolidate support around Tinubu, avoiding any internal disputes that could arise from a contested primary. The waiver also signals the party's confidence in Tinubu's leadership and its desire to focus on broader electoral strategies ahead of 2027.
