Dare Babalola
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, was on Tuesday screened and cleared by the party’s Aspirants’ Screening Committee ahead of the 2026 National Convention.
In a symbolic gesture, the committee, led by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, asked Yilwatda to “take a bow,” a recognition often reserved for candidates considered to have distinguished themselves in leadership and party service.
The screening exercise, held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, commenced around 9:00 a.m. and formed part of the party’s preparations for its upcoming national convention, where key leadership positions are expected to be contested and ratified.
Party sources indicated that the process involved the verification of credentials, assessment of eligibility, and interactions with aspirants who had earlier purchased and submitted their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms. The exercise covered contenders for various national offices within the party structure.
Yilwatda’s smooth clearance and the directive for him to take a bow suggest strong backing within the party hierarchy, reinforcing his standing ahead of the convention. Political observers note that such gestures typically signal consensus or a lack of serious opposition for a position.
The APC’s national convention is a critical event in the party’s calendar, as it determines the leadership team that will steer its affairs and strategy in the coming political cycle.
