The All Progressives Congress (APC) has screened eleven incumbent governors seeking re-election, clearing them to contest the party’s primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, led by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, took place at the Plateau State Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.

Yilwatda confirmed Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris’s clearance, stating, “Having met the requirement of the party and the provisions of the law, you have been successfully screened and qualified to contest for second term in office”. Idris pledged to “sustain and expand” his administration’s reforms if re-elected.

The full list of cleared governors includes: Abba Yusuf (Kano), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umar Bago (Niger), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto).

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the process as “seamless”, adding, “It underscores how structured the APC is… defining the model of party organisation on the continent”. Cross River Governor Bassey Otu echoed this, declaring, “We don’t have any storm… It’s an APC state to the core”.

Screening for remaining aspirants and Senate candidates continues from May 9–10, 2026. With primaries set for late May, the exercise marks a crucial step in consolidating the party’s slate for the 2027 elections.