KANO STATE – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has begun screening candidates who intend to run for the state House of Assembly, the party announced on May 11, 2026. The screening, which started today, is part of the party’s internal process ahead of the upcoming primary elections for Kano’s 40 constituencies.
Yusuf Yahuza, the APC State Organising Secretary, posted a statement on his Facebook page outlining the exercise. According to the release, the screening “reflects the party’s commitment to transparency, fairness and internal democracy in the process of selecting credible and competent candidates to represent the APC across various constituencies in Kano State.” The party emphasized that only aspirants who meet the set criteria will be allowed to contest the primaries.
The APC’s statement also highlighted the party’s broader objective of nurturing leaders who are “focused on the people and capable of contributing to legislative development and democratic governance in the state.” Party officials said the screening will assess each aspirant’s qualifications, track record, and alignment with the party’s agenda for development, education, health and security.
In addition to the procedural details, the APC called for calm and unity among aspirants and their supporters. “We urge all candidates and their camps to remain peaceful, united and to demonstrate sportsmanship throughout the primary election process,” the statement read. The appeal comes amid reports of tension in other parts of the country where intra‑party contests have sometimes turned volatile.
The Kano chapter’s move follows a nationwide push by the APC to standardise candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders have pledged to avoid the “godfatherism” and vote‑buying that have plagued previous electoral cycles, and the screening is intended to weed out candidates who lack the requisite integrity or community support.
Political analysts note that the outcome of the Kano primaries could shape the balance of power in the state legislature. The APC currently holds a slim majority in the House of Assembly, and a strong slate of candidates could consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race. Conversely, internal divisions could open space for opposition parties, chiefly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to make inroads.
Observers from civil‑society groups have welcomed the transparent approach but stress that the process must be followed through to the ballot box. “Screening is a positive step, but the real test will be whether the primaries are conducted free from manipulation,” said Aisha Bello, a member of the Kano Centre for Democratic Governance.
The screening is slated to continue over the next two weeks, after which the APC will publish a definitive list of approved aspirants for each constituency. The party has indicated that the primary elections themselves will be held in June, with results expected to be announced before the end of the month.
As the APC moves forward with its candidate vetting, the political landscape in Kano remains closely watched by national stakeholders. The party’s ability to present a united front and field credible candidates will be pivotal for its performance in the forthcoming legislative and gubernatorial contests, and will likely influence the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic process.
