No fewer than 2,620 aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the All Progressives Congress are expected to know today whether they have been cleared to participate in the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those awaiting the outcome of the screening exercise are Bola Tinubu, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and several former political office holders.
Also expected to learn their fate is Osifo Stanley, the lone challenger seeking to contest against Tinubu for the APC presidential ticket.
The ruling party is expected to publish the names of cleared aspirants as part of preparations to meet the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Sources within the party disclosed that about 2,980 aspirants were screened for different positions, including the presidential seat, governorship tickets, Senate positions, House of Representatives seats, and state assembly tickets.
The screening exercise reportedly took place between May 8 and May 12.
According to reports, President Tinubu was granted a waiver by the screening committee.
Several high-profile politicians who purchased and submitted nomination forms participated in the exercise, including serving governors, ministers, lawmakers, former governors, and technocrats.
One of the most closely watched cases is that of Hope Uzodimma, who is reportedly seeking a Senate seat while still serving as governor of Imo State.
Uzodimma currently doubles as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and head of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors coordinating Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Party insiders reportedly expressed concerns that his senatorial ambition could trigger constitutional and political complications because his tenure as governor is expected to run until January 2028.
Meanwhile, the political future of Siminalayi Fubara is also being closely monitored amid his ongoing political conflict with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reports indicated that Wike recently met with APC National Chairman Nentawe Yiltwatda ahead of the release of the screening results.
In Ogun State, former governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, is reportedly engaged in a political battle with Governor Dapo Abiodun over a senatorial seat.
Similarly, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya is said to be contesting against former governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo for a Senate ticket.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is seeking the APC governorship ticket in Abia State, is also among those awaiting clearance.
Kalu recently faced allegations questioning his attendance at the Nigerian Law School while allegedly participating in the National Youth Service Corps at the same time.
The development comes amid rising tension within the APC, as many aspirants reportedly continue to oppose consensus arrangements and insist on direct primaries.
Some aspirants were said to have threatened resistance against any attempt to impose candidates on the party.
Reacting to the situation, APC National Chairman Yiltwatda warned aspirants and their supporters against violence, unrest, and anti-party activities.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman stressed that the party would not tolerate any action capable of disrupting the primaries.
“The leadership of the party will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries,” the statement read.
He further warned that anyone found sponsoring violence or engaging in anti-party activities could face disciplinary actions, including suspension from the party.
