The All Progressives Congress has taken a definitive step toward the 2027 general elections as its high-powered Screening Committee concluded the evaluation of 11 incumbent state governors. The exercise, which took place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, May 7, 2026, serves as a critical internal gateway for governors seeking the party’s ticket to contest for a second term in office. Presided over by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, with National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru serving as the committee's secretary, the screening process is designed to verify the constitutional eligibility, party loyalty, and performance records of the aspirants. The committee’s mandate is to ensure that all candidates flying the party’s flag in the upcoming primaries meet the rigorous standards set by the Renewed Hope administration.
The first batch of screened governors represents a broad geographical spread of the country, signaling the party’s intent to maintain its nationwide dominance. Among those who appeared before the committee were several governors who have recently defected to or consolidated their influence within the APC, alongside established party stalwarts. The governors who successfully underwent the Thursday exercise include Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umar Bago of Niger State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State. The presence of governors like Abba Yusuf and Caleb Mutfwang—states that have seen significant political volatility and shifting party allegiances since 2023—underscores the APC's aggressive expansion strategy. National Chairman Yilwatda noted that the screening was not merely a formality but a peer review of sorts to ensure that the party presents candidates with proven track records of governance.
The screening process focused on several key areas, including the authentication of educational certificates, evidence of tax payments, and adherence to the party’s code of conduct. Furthermore, the committee assessed the winnability of each incumbent, weighing their local popularity against potential opposition threats within their respective states. Senator Basiru, speaking to journalists after the day's session, emphasized that the party is committed to a transparent and democratic internal process. The APC is a party of law and order, and we are setting the stage for primaries that will be beyond reproach, he stated. He added that while the incumbency factor is significant, the party remains dedicated to a level playing field for all aspirants who have picked up the nomination forms. This exercise comes at a time of heightened political activity in Abuja, as the May 6 deadline for the submission of nomination forms has just passed, leading to a surge of aspirants and supporters at the party secretariat.
The inclusion of governors such as Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on the APC screening list is particularly noteworthy. It reflects a continuing trend of political realignment where incumbent governors from opposition parties have increasingly sought the umbrella of the ruling party to secure their political futures or align with the federal government's developmental agenda. The committee is expected to resume its duties on Friday, May 8, to screen the remaining batch of governorship aspirants, including those seeking to challenge the incumbents or contest for open seats where a second term is not applicable. The results of the screening will be forwarded to the National Working Committee for final approval before the primary elections, which are scheduled to commence later this month.
As the party prepares to transition from screening to the heat of the primaries, the mood within the APC is one of cautious optimism. Party leaders believe that the early start to the screening process will allow for the resolution of any internal grievances or appeals well before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadlines. Professor Yilwatda, in his closing remarks for the day, reiterated that the primary goal remains the stability of the nation. Our governors are the foot soldiers of our party’s manifesto, and this screening is about ensuring that the trust placed in them by the people is preserved and that the APC remains the most credible vehicle for Nigeria’s progress, he said.
With the APC screening incumbents from diverse political backgrounds—including some who won their first terms on opposition tickets—do you think this trend of governor-led realignment strengthens the democratic process by creating broader consensus, or does it weaken the opposition's ability to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party?
