APC appoints Biodun Oyebanji to lead convention screening

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state, to chair a key committee responsible for screening aspirants ahead of its 2026 national convention, signalling a major step in the party’s internal leadership selection process.

Oyebanji was formally inaugurated alongside other members of the screening panel at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The committee will review and verify the credentials of aspirants seeking elective positions within the party’s national structure, ensuring they meet eligibility criteria outlined in its constitution and internal regulations.

The screening process is one of the most critical pre-convention exercises, as it determines which aspirants qualify to contest for influential leadership roles. The outcome will shape the party’s organisational direction and leadership hierarchy ahead of future political contests.

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, was named co-chairman of the committee, while Ken Nnamani will serve as vice-chairman, bringing legislative and administrative experience into the process.

Other principal officers of the committee include Isa Yuguda as secretary and Philip Shaibu as assistant secretary. The committee also includes several current and former lawmakers and political figures, reflecting the party’s attempt to balance representation and experience in managing the screening exercise.

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Party officials said the panel’s responsibility will include assessing aspirants’ qualifications, verifying submitted documents, and ensuring compliance with party guidelines before approving candidates for participation in the convention elections.

Convention preparations gather pace

The inauguration of the screening committee forms part of broader preparations by the APC ahead of its national convention, where key leadership positions are expected to be contested.

The event was overseen by Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s national chairman, who has been coordinating arrangements for the convention since assuming office. His leadership has involved setting up multiple committees to handle different aspects of the process, including logistics, accreditation, security, and appeals.

These committees are expected to ensure the smooth conduct of the convention, which typically attracts delegates and party leaders from across the country.

The APC has also adjusted parts of its convention timeline in recent days. The party recently extended the deadline for submission of nomination forms for aspirants participating in zonal congresses and national convention activities, giving potential candidates more time to complete the process.

Earlier changes to the convention structure included the appointment of Bello Masari to head the national convention central coordination committee, replacing Hope Uzodimma. The adjustment was part of efforts to strengthen oversight and coordination ahead of the event.