The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has waived all screening requirements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s forthcoming presidential primary election, effectively declaring him “duly screened” without appearing before a screening panel.
The decision was taken during the party’s 188th NWC meeting held on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the committee said the waiver was in line with relevant provisions of the party’s constitution and internal regulations.
The NWC anchored its decision on Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC Constitution, which empowers the committee to organise and supervise party primaries and, where necessary, grant waivers in the interest of the party.
According to the statement, the move was considered necessary due to President Tinubu’s position as incumbent President and leader of the party, noting that he had already undergone full screening and clearance prior to the 2022 presidential primaries.
The committee also cited endorsements from key party structures, including the Progressive Governors Forum and leaders of the National Assembly, as well as resolutions from the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025, as part of the justification for the waiver.
“The NWC, having reviewed all relevant considerations, is satisfied that a fresh screening exercise is redundant and unnecessary,” the statement read.
With the waiver, the APC said preparations for the presidential primary will now focus on broader electoral logistics, while affirming that President Tinubu meets all constitutional requirements to contest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to participate in the party’s primary process without further formal screening procedures, following the NWC’s approval.
