The aspirants’ screening committee for the 2026 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the vetting of candidates seeking positions in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Biodun Oyebanji, chairman of the aspirants screening sub-committee, said the exercise would be conducted with fairness and transparency. He spoke on Monday in Abuja during the committee’s inaugural meeting ahead of the screening.
Oyebanji assured that the process would strictly follow the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
“We are going to be transparent. We are going to be fair. We are going to be just to all of them,” he said.
“They are party members, and the party has guidelines that guide what we are going to do.
“We are going to do everything in accordance with the Constitution of the party and the Electoral Act. So they don’t have anything to fear.”
Also speaking, Ahmed Ododo, co-chairman of the sub-committee, described all aspirants as capable individuals and stressed the importance of the exercise.
“This is not just about the APC; it is for the country. We have a mandate to screen aspirants who will lead this party effectively and efficiently,” Ododo said, adding that the committee would carry out its duties without bias.
Philip Shaibu, a member of the committee secretariat, disclosed that about 30 aspirants would be screened for various NWC positions. He noted that the 118-member committee had been divided into three teams for the exercise.
The screening is being held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Shaibu also appreciated the governors of Ekiti and Kogi states for providing financial support despite the absence of mobilisation from the party.
“We are really grateful to the governors of Ekiti and Kogi for helping us to operate even when we are yet to be mobilised by the party,” he said.
Former Senate President Ken Nnamani urged committee members to approach the assignment with diligence.
“We must all work hard to deliver on this assignment. We must not relax or think that we have won the election,” Nnamani said.
“We must work hard because Nigerians out there are going through a lot, and we must encourage them to support and vote for President Bola Tinubu, who has done so much to reposition the country.”
The APC national convention is scheduled to hold later this week.
On Tuesday, the committee screened Nentawe Yilwatda, with members asking him to take a bow in recognition of what they described as his commendable leadership of the party.
