The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has screened over 70 governorship aspirants as part of preparations for its 2027 primary elections, with participants describing the exercise as transparent, orderly, 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, and Rivers.

Speaking after appearing before the panel, Senator Mohammed Onawo, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described the process as thorough and fair.

He said the screening committee demonstrated professionalism in assessing documents and engaging aspirants on key issues.

“The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” he said.

Onawo expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 governorship elections, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and growing public support for the party.

He also argued that internal crises in some major political parties had created opportunities for the ADC to expand its influence nationwide, while supporting consensus arrangements as a way to strengthen internal unity.

Former Adamawa State Governor, Senator Mohammed Bindow, also commended the exercise, describing it as transparent and intellectually engaging.

He said the panel maintained professionalism and ensured equal scrutiny for all aspirants.

In Delta State, governorship aspirant Great Ogboru used the occasion to outline parts of his development agenda, proposing an equal-opportunity initiative that would allocate monthly funding to local government areas for grassroots projects.

He said the plan would ensure balanced development across councils and reduce marginalisation in project execution.

Former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, described the screening as an important institutional safeguard that could prevent future disputes over candidate eligibility.

He said parties that follow due process are better positioned to build credible leadership structures and strengthen democracy.

The ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, confirmed that more than 70 governorship aspirants had been screened so far, noting that the exercise would continue for remaining candidates.

She said 34 aspirants were screened by one panel, while over 35 were screened by another, bringing the total to more than 70.

Among those screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Senator Mohammed Jibrilla (Adamawa); Great Ogboru (Delta); Senator Mohammed Onawo (Nasarawa); Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos); Dr Shehu Ahmad Issa (Zamfara); and Retired General John Surai (Plateau).

Others include Adeboyega Adegoke (Oyo), Senator Haliru Jika (Bauchi), Barrister Kashim Geidam (Yobe), Musa Ahmed (Adamawa), and Nuhu Agbazu (Nasarawa), among several others from Delta, Jigawa, Rivers, and Benue.

The party said the screening exercise reflects its commitment to due process as it positions itself for the 2027 general elections.