Primary: APC Screens Bago, Alia, Uba, Others For Governorship

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday commenced the screening of serving governors seeking re-election and those aspiring for the Senate ahead of the forthcoming primary elections.

While the governorship primary election is scheduled for May 20, that of Senate is slated for May 18, 2026.

Those who appeared before the committee led by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda include, the governor of Niger state, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago; Benue state governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, governor of Kaduna state, Sen. Uba Sani; Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah and Cross River state governor, Bassey Otu.

Others are Kebbi state governor, Dr Nasir Idris; governor of Delta state,

Sheriff Oborevwori; Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Katsina state governor, Dikko Radda; governor of Kano state, Abba Kabir Yusuf: Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal and Sokoto state governor, Ahmad Aliyu.

Those screened for senatorial primary election include; governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Gombe state, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya and Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking with journalists after his screening, the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, described the process as seamless which showed how structured and well organised the ruling party is.

“What we pledged during the screening process is to uphold the values of our party and ensure that we take the message of what this party and this government are doing to Nigerians across all the nooks and crannies of the country.

“So, it was a very seamless process. It underscores how structured the APC is, and perhaps this is a party defining the model of party organisation on the continent. We hope that others will borrow a leaf from what we are doing. It was well-structured and seamless,” he said.

Asked whether Enugu APC will adopt consensus mode of nomination, Mbah said, “We have always done things as brothers. We understand the value and significance of unity, and that is what we will continue to uphold.”

Also addressing journalists, after undergoing the exercise,

Cross River State governor,

Bassey Otu, applauded the thoroughness of the process which would produce, saying it is going to produce very diligent leaders for the country.

Insisting that the coast is clear for APC ahead of 2027, he said:

“we don’t have any storm. You know, in my own state, I think it’s just one mantra, and that is ‘Jagaban all the way.’ We don’t have issues. It is an APC state to the core, to the very foundation of it.

“They(opposition) don’t have it.

I believe he(Tinubu) has excelled, given the position and where we took over from. I believe he has done well.

“All we can do as a party is come together. You know, the party is bigger than where it used to be, so you can imagine what is going on. It’s called a tsunami.”

The screening exercise for serving governors ends on Saturday, the one for fresh governorship aspirants starts the same day and terminates on Sunday.

Also, the screening of Senate and House of Representatives aspirants commences on Saturday and ends on Sunday beginning from 10am each day.

Leadership of the party advised aspirants to attend the screening exercise punctually and with all required documents and credentials.