APC convention: Screening panel clears Yilwatda, Basiru, Duru, others
…Yilwatda declares APC the most youth-driven party From Jide Orintunsin – Abuja The All Progressives Congress National Convention Aspirants’ Screening Committee is reported to have cleared the party’s National Chairman,
...Yilwatda declares APC the most youth-driven party
From Jide Orintunsin - Abuja
The All Progressives Congress National Convention Aspirants’ Screening Committee is reported to have cleared the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to contest positions at the upcoming National Convention scheduled for this weekend.
Sources within the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led committee said the duo were approved after their credentials were thoroughly reviewed during the screening exercise held on Tuesday at Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Addressing the panel, Prof. Yilwatda highlighted the party’s transition into a transparent, institution-driven organisation, noting that the screening process reflects the APC’s commitment to internal rules and democratic procedures.
“In the APC, everybody is subject to the system and how it operates,” he said. “The processes have become more transparent and organised, and the system now prevails over individuals.”
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, Yilwatda commended the committee for facilitating a seamless screening process and emphasised that the party maintains a nationwide presence with electoral victories across all six geopolitical zones.
Senator Basiru, who stands as the sole aspirant for the national secretary position, praised the committee’s recognition of administrative reforms since August 2023.
He said that post-convention, his focus would be on revitalising the party’s internal structures, from polling units to the National Advisory Council, to strengthen cohesion and operational efficiency.
“We believe that if we activate all our structures and make them functionally efficient, APC will continue to progress with electoral and democratic consolidation,” Basiru said. He highlighted key achievements under his tenure, including a surge in membership to about 12 million and improvements in party operations and primaries.
Beyond the Chairman and Secretary, several other members of the National Working Committee and zonal leaders were cleared by the Oyebanji-led panel, including Deputy National Chairmen Hon. Abubakar Dalori, Chief Emma Eneukwu, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, Hon. Mohammed Datti, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Chief Victor Giadom, D.I. Kekemeke, Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia (National Legal Adviser), Uguru Matthew Ofoke (National Treasurer), Hon. Chidi Nze Duru (Deputy National Organising Secretary), and Hon. Anyanwu Nduka (National Welfare Officer).
The screening committee’s report is expected to be submitted to the National Convention Central Committee on Tuesday evening, paving the way for what party leaders describe as a “peaceful and eventful” convention this Friday and Saturday.
