2027: APC to release cleared aspirants’ list before Friday 

Two days before the commencement of primaries for the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to release the list of aspirants cleared to participate in the exercise.

Some aspirants who spoke with BusinessDay on condition of anonymity expressed concern over the delay, saying they were anxious to know their fate ahead of the primaries.

However, two members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) told our correspondent in confidence that the list of cleared aspirants would be released before the primaries begin on Friday.

According to the APC’s 2027 election timetable, the House of Representatives primaries will kick off on Friday, with only cleared aspirants eligible to participate.

The party also scheduled governorship primaries for May 21, senatorial and state assembly primaries for May 18 and 20, while the presidential primary is slated for May 23, 2026.

The APC concluded the screening of aspirants for various offices on Sunday. Under the party’s timetable, the list of cleared aspirants was expected to be released on Monday, but this is yet to happen.

BusinessDay gathered from party sources that the NWC met on Tuesday night to deliberate on the screening outcomes and the planned release of the list, although no official announcement has been made.

The ruling party screened about 2,980 aspirants seeking tickets for the presidency, governorships, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly elections.

Among prominent aspirants awaiting clearance are President Bola Tinubu’s lone challenger for the presidential ticket, Osifo Stanley; Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel; and former Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Meanwhile, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman has warned aspirants against violence and anti-party activities during the primaries, stressing that sanctions await anyone found undermining the process.