The ruling All Progressives Congress on Tuesday screened the National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and other aspirants for positions in the party’s National Working Committee.
The chairman of the screening sub-committee and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, assured a transparent and credible convention during the exercise held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja, ahead of the APC’s national convention scheduled for March 27–28.
As outlined in Article 11, Section 12.4 of the APC Constitution (March 2022, as amended), the National Working Committee comprises the National Chairman, National Secretary, Deputy National Chairman (South), and Deputy National Chairman (North).
Additional members include the Deputy National Secretary, six National Vice Chairmen representing each geopolitical zone (Zonal Chairmen), the National Legal Adviser, National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary, National Organising Secretary, National Welfare Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor, National Woman Leader, Deputy National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, and the National Leader for Persons Living with Disabilities.
Most members of the current APC National Working Committee were elected in August 2023, while the incumbent national chairman took office in July 2025.
Oyebanji, speaking before the screening exercise, stated that their responsibility was to vet aspirants by reviewing their credentials and posing key questions.
He stated, “Our duty is to screen all aspirants, even those we know well. We will carefully review their credentials and ask important questions.
“We are committed to ensuring a transparent and fair process, and with the work we and the other sub-committees are doing, this national convention will be credible.”
During his screening, Yilwatda emphasised that in the party, all members are accountable to the system and its processes.
He also highlighted that the party has a strong youth presence. Seeking re-election, Yilwatda stated that under his leadership, the party would prioritise the value of membership over personal friendships.
He stated, “And I must thank you for creating this belief and also ensuring that the system prevails over individuals. And I am so proud that we’re leading the party that is providing the best leadership for democracy in this country.
“Unlike other political parties, where every day you see the members of the convention committee making contrarian statements, arguing among themselves, and sometimes fighting over issues, I have not seen anything like that in the convention committee, in all the subcommittees.
