The All Progressives Grand Alliance has announced the screening schedule for aspirants seeking to contest for Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly seats ahead of its 2026 primary elections.
The party said the exercise would begin on Monday, May 11, with the screening of aspirants for the National Assembly, while those contesting for the Anambra State House of Assembly would be screened on Tuesday, May 12.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, Anambra State, by the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Ejimofor Opara.
According to the statement, aspirants contesting for Senate and House of Representatives positions are expected to appear before the screening committee at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja by 10 a.m.
The party also disclosed that aspirants seeking tickets for the Anambra State House of Assembly would be screened at APGA’s regional office in Awka, also by 10 a.m.
APGA directed all aspirants to strictly comply with the screening timetable and other requirements set by the party.
The party further stated that only aspirants and members of the screening committee would be allowed into the screening venues.
Supporters, political associates, aides and other visitors were advised to stay away from the venues to ensure orderliness during the exercise.
The statement read partly, “This is to notify all APGA aspirants from Anambra State seeking nomination for national and state Assembly positions in the 2026 primary elections that the screening exercise shall hold as follows:
“National Assembly aspirants’ positions: Senate and House of Representatives will hold on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. prompt at the APGA National Headquarters, FCT, Abuja.
“While the screening for the Anambra State House of Assembly aspirants will be held at the APGA regional office in Awka, on Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m.”
The party stressed that aspirants must appear physically for the exercise and present the original copies of their academic certificates to the screening committee.
According to APGA, photocopies of certificates will not be accepted in place of original documents.
The leadership of the party also warned aspirants against paying money to anybody in connection with the screening exercise.
Opara stated clearly that the screening process was free and no aspirant was expected to make payments under any condition.
He advised aspirants to report immediately to the party’s national secretariat if any individual or group demanded money from them.
“APGA screening is free of charge. No aspirant is required to pay, or should pay, any amount of money to any person or committee under any guise whatsoever,” the statement added.
The party also explained that screening dates for aspirants from states outside Anambra would be announced later through official communication channels.
Founded in 2002, APGA has built most of its political influence in Anambra State and parts of the South-East region.
The party became more prominent after the victory of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in 2006 under its platform.
Over the years, APGA has controlled the Anambra State Government for long periods and has continued to maintain a loyal support base in the state.
The current Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was elected on the APGA platform and has repeatedly pledged to strengthen the party’s structure across the country.
Although APGA has not yet become a major national force like the ruling All Progressives Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party, the party continues to position itself as a strong regional political movement with national ambitions.
During screenings, aspirants are usually assessed based on educational qualifications, party membership status, legal eligibility and compliance with party guidelines.
The exercise is also meant to prevent disputes and controversies that may arise during the nomination process.
In recent years, several political parties in Nigeria have faced legal battles after candidates were accused of submitting fake certificates, providing false information or failing to meet constitutional requirements.
For that reason, parties have become stricter in verifying the credentials and documents of aspirants before approving them for primary elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier advised political parties to follow due process in conducting their primaries and candidate selection exercises.
INEC has repeatedly warned that failure to comply with electoral laws and party constitutions could lead to disqualification of candidates or court cases capable of affecting election outcomes.
Political tension is already gradually building ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties beginning consultations, alliance talks and internal reorganisation.
Although the election is still some time away, many aspirants across the country have quietly begun mobilization and consultations within their constituencies.
In Anambra State especially, the contest for National Assembly and House of Assembly seats is expected to attract intense competition among old political figures and younger aspirants seeking to enter public office.
Internal crises and disagreements over candidate selection have weakened many political parties in Nigeria in the past, often leading to defections and court cases.
By announcing clear rules and warning against unauthorised payments, APGA appears determined to avoid controversies that could damage the party ahead of future elections.
The emphasis on orderliness and transparency during the screening process is also seen as part of efforts to build confidence among party members and aspirants.
Meanwhile, some party faithful in Anambra have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a sign that APGA is preparing early for the political battles ahead.
Others, however, believe the real challenge for the party will be managing the ambitions of powerful politicians seeking tickets for various positions.
As preparations continue, attention will now shift to the screening exercise itself and the list of aspirants that will eventually be cleared to participate in the party primaries.