Tinubu screening waiver approved by APC NWC ahead of primaries, citing prior clearance and strong party endorsements

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has granted a screening waiver to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.

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The decision on the Tinubu screening waiver was reached at the APC’s 188th National Working Committee meeting held on Wednesday, where members resolved that the president be deemed duly screened in accordance with the party’s constitution.

According to the committee, the waiver was granted under powers conferred by Article 13.4 (xiii) and (xiv) of the APC constitution, which allow the NWC to organise and supervise primaries and grant exemptions in special circumstances.

The party leadership cited President Tinubu’s prior screening and clearance before the 2022 presidential primaries, arguing that requiring a fresh appearance before a screening panel would be redundant.

It also pointed to what it described as overwhelming endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly and other party organs, notably at the APC National Summit held in May 2025.

The NWC maintained that the decision aligns with the best interests of the party, emphasising Tinubu’s role as incumbent president and leader of the APC.

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The development signals early consolidation within the ruling party as preparations intensify for upcoming primaries, with the Tinubu screening waiver underscoring internal support for his continued leadership.