The African Democratic Congress has screened more than 70 governorship aspirants ahead of its 2027 primary elections, with party faithful commending the exercise as transparent, professional and consistent with democratic standards.
The screening, which took place in Abuja on Monday, attracted aspirants from several states, including Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers.
Speaking after his appearance before the panel, Senator Mohamed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described the process as thorough and fair.
According to him, members of the screening committee demonstrated professionalism in reviewing documents and engaging aspirants on critical issues.
“The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” Onawo said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in the ADC’s chances in the 2027 governorship elections, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and what he described as growing public support for the party.
He also argued that internal crises within some major political parties had created opportunities for the ADC to expand its electoral fortunes across the country.
Onawo further endorsed consensus arrangements for party primaries, saying such an approach could help strengthen internal unity and minimise post-primary disputes.
“I have total confidence in the leadership of the party, and I believe the ADC will emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 elections,” he added.
Former Adamawa State Governor, Senator Mohammed Jibrilla, popularly known as Bindow, also applauded the exercise, describing it as transparent and intellectually engaging.
Bindow said the panel conducted itself professionally and ensured all aspirants were subjected to the same level of scrutiny ahead of the party primaries.
In Delta State, governorship aspirant Great Ogboru used the opportunity to unveil part of his governance agenda, promising what he called an equal opportunity development initiative aimed at ensuring all local government areas receive dedicated monthly funding for grassroots projects.
Ogboru said the initiative would guarantee simultaneous development across councils and prevent marginalisation in project implementation.
Former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, described the screening as a critical institutional safeguard capable of preventing future legal disputes over candidate eligibility.
According to him, parties that adhere strictly to due process are better positioned to provide credible leadership and build enduring democratic institutions.
“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 rather than personal enrichment and political patronage.
The Lagos politician also expressed optimism about his political prospects in 2027, saying sustained grassroots mobilisation, coalition building and strategic engagement had significantly strengthened his support base since the last election cycle.
NEXTER reort that aspirants from Jigawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Adamawa and other states equally participated in the exercise.
Addressing journalists at the event, the ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, confirmed that more than 70 governorship aspirants had already been screened, while the exercise would continue on Tuesday for the remaining contestants.
She said, “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 (Tuesday).”
Among those screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (Kebbi); Senator Mohammed Jibrilla (Adamawa); Great Ogboru (Delta); Senator Mohamed Onawo (Nasarawa); Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos); Dr Shehu Ahmad Issa (Zamfara) and Retired General John Surai (Plateau).
Also screened were Adeboyega Adegoke (Oyo); Senator Haliru Jika (Bauchi); Barrister Kashim Geidam (Yobe), Musa Ahmed (Adamawa) and Nuhu Agbazu (Nasarawa).
The list also included Dr Emmanuel Unuafe (Delta); Bashir Adamu (Jigawa); Ambassador Umar Suleiman (Adamawa); Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa (Rivers), and Peter Adejo (Benue).
The ADC has recently intensified efforts to position itself as a major alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid growing discontent within some of the country’s dominant political parties.
