The African Democratic Congress has screened more than 70 governorship aspirants as part of preparations for its 2027 primary elections, with party members describing the exercise as transparent, credible and professionally conducted.
The screening exercise, held on Monday in Abuja, attracted aspirants from several states including Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa, Rivers, Oyo and Yobe, among others.
Speaking after appearing before the screening panel, Senator Mohamed Onawo, who represents Nasarawa South and chairs the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described the process as thorough, fair and in line with democratic standards.
According to him, members of the committee demonstrated professionalism in reviewing documents and engaging aspirants on governance and policy-related issues.
“The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” Onawo said.
The lawmaker expressed optimism about the ADC’s chances 2027 governorship elections, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and what he described as growing grassroots support for the party.
He also argued that internal crises within some of the country’s major political parties had created opportunities for the ADC to strengthen its position ahead of the general elections.
Also reacting after the exercise, Lagos governorship hopeful Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour commended the panel for conducting what he called a transparent and credible screening process.
“Having participated in similar exercises previously, I am pleased with the professionalism and thoroughness of the committee,” Rhodes-Vivour said
He urged Nigerians to support leaders committed to public service and accountable governance rather than political patronage and personal enrichment.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, disclosed that more than 70 governorship aspirants had already been screened across two panels, with the exercise scheduled to continue for remaining contestants.
“The screening has come to an end today. The first panel screened about 34 governorship aspirants. In the second hall, we had over 35. In total, we have over 70 governorship aspirants screened, and the exercise continues tomorrow,” Okiyi stated.
Among prominent aspirants screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami from Kebbi State; former Adamawa governor Mohammed Jibrilla; Delta politician Great Ogboru; and retired General John Surai from Plateau State.
Others screened include Senator Haliru Jika (Bauchi), Kashim Geidam (Yobe), Adeboyega Adegoke (Oyo), Dr Emmanuel Unuafe (Delta), Bashir Adamu (Jigawa), Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa (Rivers) and Peter Adejo (Benue).
Meanwhile, the ADC has also constituted committees to oversee its presidential and governorship primaries. Former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke was named chairman of the presidential screening committee, while former Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed will head the presidential election committe.
The party said the committees were set up to guarantee a transparent, credible and fair primary process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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