Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress has officially waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, declaring him automatically cleared to participate in the contest.
The decision was reached during the party’s 188th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on Wednesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said the waiver was granted in accordance with provisions of the party’s constitution empowering the NWC to organise and supervise primaries and grant special waivers when necessary.
According to the statement, the committee considered Tinubu’s status as the incumbent president and leader of the party, noting that he had already undergone screening ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries.
“The National Working Committee resolved to waive screening requirements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and deemed him duly screened in accordance with the Constitution of the party for participation in the upcoming primary elections,” the statement said.
APC Cites Broad Endorsements
The party also referenced what it described as overwhelming endorsements and votes of confidence received by the President from major APC stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, National Assembly members, and other party organs during the APC National Summit held in May 2025.
According to the APC, requiring Tinubu to appear physically before another screening panel would be “redundant and unnecessary.”
Nomination Process Underway
The APC began the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the process closing on May 6. The screening exercise for aspirants is scheduled to commence on May 8.
Earlier, James Faleke, member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, purchased the party’s N100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest forms on behalf of the President.
INEC Releases 2027 Election Timetable
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
INEC also announced that party primaries and related dispute resolution processes will run between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
The APC’s decision is expected to further consolidate Tinubu’s position within the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
