APC Waives Screening for Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Presidential Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has officially waived the screening requirement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, declaring him duly cleared to participate in the exercise in line with the party’s constitution and internal procedures.

The decision was reached during the 188th meeting of the National Working Committee held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. According to the party, the waiver was granted under provisions of the APC constitution that empower the National Working Committee to organise and supervise party primaries and, where necessary, issue waivers in the interest of the party.

In a statement issued after the meeting by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party explained that President Tinubu’s previous clearance ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, combined with widespread endorsements from key stakeholders within the party, made a fresh screening process unnecessary.

APC Explains Basis for Waiver

The APC stated that the decision was made in accordance with Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the party’s constitution, which grants the National Working Committee authority to supervise primaries and grant waivers under special circumstances.

According to the statement, the committee considered the President’s status as the incumbent leader of both the government and the party, as well as the endorsements he has received from influential party organs. These endorsements reportedly came from the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, among other statutory meetings.

Party officials argued that requiring the President to physically appear before a screening panel would amount to a duplication of a process he had already successfully undergone before the 2022 elections. The APC maintained that the decision was taken in the overall interest of party unity and continuity ahead of the next general elections.

The development further reinforces President Tinubu’s strong position within the ruling party as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 electoral cycle.

Primary Timetable and Nomination Process

The APC had earlier commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, 2026, with the exercise scheduled to close at midnight on May 6. The screening exercise for other aspirants is expected to begin on May 8.

A key moment in the nomination process came when James Faleke, founder of the Tinubu Support Groups and a member of the House of Representatives, purchased the N100 million expression of interest and nomination forms for the President on April 28.

Political observers view the waiver as a significant signal of the APC’s intention to present a united front ahead of the elections. Within the party, there appears to be growing consensus around President Tinubu’s re-election bid, particularly following repeated endorsements from governors, lawmakers, and party leaders.

The move also comes at a time when political parties across the country are intensifying consultations and internal preparations ahead of the officially approved electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

INEC Releases Election Schedule

Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The electoral commission also announced that party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from them will hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaign activities for Presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.

With the APC now formally clearing President Tinubu for participation in its primaries, attention is expected to shift toward opposition parties and potential challengers as the political landscape ahead of 2027 continues to take shape