Tinubu Gets Automatic APC Clearance as Party Waives Presidential Screening Requirement

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has sparked fresh controversy after waiving the screening requirements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s upcoming presidential primary election.

The decision, taken during the APC NWC’s 188th meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, effectively cleared Tinubu to participate in the primary without appearing before a screening panel, a move likely to deepen concerns over internal democracy within the ruling party.

In a statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the waiver was granted under Article 13.4 of the APC Constitution, which empowers the National Working Committee to organise primaries and grant waivers in “special circumstances” in the interest of the party.

The APC leadership justified the decision by citing what it described as overwhelming endorsements and votes of confidence already received by the President from key organs of the party, including the Progressive Governors Forum, members of the National Assembly and party stakeholders during the APC National Summit and other statutory meetings.

The party also argued that Tinubu, having undergone screening ahead of the 2022 presidential primary, should not be subjected to another appearance before a screening committee, describing such a process as “redundant and unnecessary.”