By Our Correspondent

National News – The All Progressives Congress has officially waived the screening requirement for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries.

The decision was reached during the National Working Committee’s 188th meeting held on May 6, 2026, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

According to the party, Tinubu was automatically cleared to participate in the primaries because he had previously undergone screening before the 2022 presidential election.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed the development in a statement released after the meeting.

He explained that the waiver was granted under Article 13.4 of the APC constitution, which empowers the National Working Committee to organise party primaries and grant waivers when necessary in the party’s interest.

The ruling party stated that Tinubu’s endorsement by key stakeholders influenced the decision.

The APC noted that the President had earlier received a vote of confidence from the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly, and other party organs during the APC National Summit held on May 22, 2025.

The party also argued that asking the President to appear before another screening committee would be unnecessary since he had already fulfilled similar requirements before emerging as the APC presidential candidate in 2022.

The APC added that the waiver aligned with internal party procedures and constitutional provisions.

The sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants began on April 28 and ended on May 6, while the screening exercise is expected to commence on May 8.

Lawmaker James Faleke had earlier purchased the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms for Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.