The aspirants’ screening committee of the 2026 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the vetting of aspirants seeking positions in the party’s national working committee (NWC).
Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state and chairman of the aspirants screening sub-committee, said the process would be conducted with fairness and transparency.
Oyebanji spoke on Monday in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the committee ahead of the screening exercise.
He added that the committee would conduct its assignment in line with 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,” Oyebanji 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, governor of Kogi state and co-chairman of the sub-committee, said all aspirants were considered worthy of the responsibility.
“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.
He added that the committee would carry out its duty without fear or favour.
Philip Shaibu, former deputy governor of Edo state and a member of the committee secretariat, said the screening panel had grouped members into three teams for the exercise.
Shaibu said about 30 aspirants would be screened for various NWC positions.
He added that the committee, which has 118 members, would conduct the screening at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Shaibu thanked Oyebanji and Ododo for supporting the committee financially 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.
“We have printed all materials, and also hotel accommodations have been secured by the chairmen.”
Ken Nnamani, former senate president, urged members of the committee 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 would hold later this week.
On Tuesday, the committee screened Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the APC.
Members of the committee asked Yilwatda to take a bow in recognition of what they described as his commendable leadership of the party.