The African Democratic Congress said it has screened more than 70 governorship aspirants ahead of its 2027 primary elections, with party members describing the exercise as transparent, professional and in line with democratic standards.
The screening was held Monday in Abuja and drew aspirants from Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers states, among others.
Sen. Mohamed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, said the process was thorough and fair after appearing before the panel.
He said committee members were professional in assessing documents and asking relevant questions.
Onawo expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and growing support for the party.
He also said internal crises in some major political parties had created opportunities for the ADC to expand its electoral base.
Former Adamawa State Gov. Mohammed Jibrilla, known as Bindow, also praised the screening, describing it as transparent and intellectually engaging.
Delta State governorship aspirant Great Ogboru said he would pursue an equal-opportunity development agenda, promising monthly funding allocations for all local government areas to drive grassroots projects.
Former Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour described the exercise as an important safeguard against post-election disputes over candidate eligibility.
He urged Nigerians to support leaders focused on public service rather than patronage and expressed optimism about his 2027 political prospects, citing sustained grassroots mobilisation and coalition building.
ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Queen Okiyi said more than 70 aspirants had been screened and the exercise would continue Tuesday for remaining contestants.
She said 34 aspirants appeared before one panel, while more than 35 were screened in another hall.
“In total, we have over 70 governorship aspirants screened, and the exercise continues tomorrow (Tuesday),” she said.
Among those screened were former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami; Jibrilla; Ogboru; Onawo; Rhodes-Vivour; Dr. Shehu Ahmad Issa; and retired Maj. Gen. John Surai.
Others included Adeboyega Adegoke, Haliru Jika, Kashim Geidam, Musa Ahmed, Nuhu Agbazu, Emmanuel Unuafe, Bashir Adamu, Amb. Umar Suleiman, Leloonu Nwibubasa and Peter Adejo.
The party said it has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections as it positions itself as an alternative platform amid internal tensions within other major parties.
The ADC also announced committees to oversee its presidential and governorship primaries.
Former Cross River State Gov. Liyel Imoke will chair the presidential screening committee, while former Kwara State Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed will head the presidential primary election committee.
The party said the committees were formed to ensure a transparent and credible process.
Other members of the presidential screening committee include Cyril Maduabum (secretary), Lawal Batagarawa, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof. David Salifu and Col. Abubakar Ciroma.
The presidential election committee includes Prof. Yisa Gana (secretary), Maj. Gen. Adamu Jalingo (rtd.), Dr. Auwalu Anwar, Chief Emenike Ikechi, Dr. Macaulay Iyare, Tajudeen Bakare, Elder Ubolo Okpanachi, Zainab Buba Galadima, Uzoamaka Onyeama and Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (rtd.).
The party also named a presidential appeals committee chaired by Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN).
For the governorship primaries, the party constituted two screening panels and two appeals committees to oversee the process ahead of the 2027 elections.
