Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Aspirant Screening Committee of the 2026 APC National Convention, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their discipline and adherence to due process, noting that the wiliness of aspirants to subject themselves to screening process demonstrate respect for the party’s laid-down procedure and guidelines. This, he said remains critical to sustaining internal democracy and cohesion in the ruling party.
Speaking during the screening exercise of aspirants contesting for national offices at the forthcoming national convention on Tuesday in Abuja, the Governor said the conduct of the screening process reflect the internal structure and coordination within APC.
The screening exercise which commenced at about 9:30am started with the evaluation of the national chairman, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who appeared before the screening panel comprising of former Bauchi State Governor, Isah Yuguda, former Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu among others.
In his opening remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who described APC as a party founded on discipline and due process, said the adherence of the party chairman and other aspirants to the established rules and their orderly conduct have continued to distinguish the party, adding that such values has helped the party maintain cohesion across different levels.
Governor Oyebanji said ”You set up this committee and we are happy you are subjecting yourself to the rules. This is democracy and it speaks to the fact that our party is a party of orderliness. For the chairman to have come this morning, be here on time, it speaks to one fact that APC is an orderly party”.
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who was the first to appear before the screening committee, expressed gratitude to the panel for organizing a transparent and orderly exercise. He described the process as a reflection of the party’s commitment to discipline and internal democracy.
The APC National Chairman assured the panel of his readiness to continue to uphold the values and principles of the party, emphasizing that adherence to due process remains central to APC’s growth and cohesion.