The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress has approved a waiver exempting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from undergoing the party’s screening process ahead of its primary elections.
The resolution was reached during the NWC’s 188th meeting held on Wednesday and was made public by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to Morka, the action was taken under the powers granted to the committee by Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC constitution, which allows the NWC to organise and supervise primaries as well as grant waivers in exceptional situations when considered beneficial to the party.
The committee explained that the decision was influenced by endorsements previously given to Tinubu by major stakeholders within the party, including the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly and other APC organs during the party’s National Summit held on May 22, 2025.
The party also argued that since Tinubu had already undergone screening before the 2022 presidential primaries, subjecting him to another exercise was unnecessary.
Speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the high number of aspirants purchasing forms as evidence of the party’s popularity and strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
He noted that contestants from different geopolitical zones had shown interest in various positions, including the presidency, stressing that the party remained open to internal competition despite having a sitting president.
Yilwatda also said the party would not extend the deadline for the sale of nomination forms because it must comply with timelines outlined in the Electoral Act.
Addressing concerns over disagreements regarding primary election methods in some states, he acknowledged existing tensions but assured party members that steps had been taken to guarantee a peaceful and credible process.
Reacting to the emergence of the New Democrats Coalition and recent defections from the APC, Yilwatda dismissed fears that the developments could weaken the ruling party.
He argued that the number of defectors was insignificant compared to the party’s overall strength and maintained that the opposition was more divided internally than focused on challenging the APC.
The APC chairman expressed confidence that the ruling party would maintain its dominance and secure the majority of elective positions in the 2027 general elections.