The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has asserted that the ruling party remains the only political platform in Nigeria with the structural integrity and national reach required to meet the country’s current and future aspirations.
Speaking in Abuja through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr. Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda described the APC as a “tested and enduring political machine” rather than a mere coalition of convenience. He argued that at a time of national transition, the country cannot afford to gamble on “politically disoriented alternatives.”
Critique of Opposition Stability
The National Chairman took a swipe at the internal crises currently affecting major opposition parties, citing factional wars and legal battles as evidence of their unreadiness for national leadership.
“A party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria,” Yilwatda stated. He emphasized that the persistent internal instability within the opposition serves as a warning sign of structural weakness, contrasting it with what he described as the APC’s “institutional maturity” and “political discipline.”
Focus on Rule of Law and Security
Addressing national security, Professor Yilwatda lauded the Federal Government’s recent mass trial of over 500 terrorism suspects. He characterized this move as a shift from simple arrests to institutional accountability.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that moves beyond the battlefield and into the courtroom, ensuring that the fight against insecurity is backed by the rule of law and judicial transparency.
Strategic Preparations for Osun and 2027
Regarding party affairs in Osun State, the Chairman signaled that the state would serve as a “strategic psychological battleground” and a rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.
While commending the Osun chapter’s readiness, he issued a directive for the campaign to be data-driven and ward-based. He specifically warned against “ego-driven interference” and “competing centers of influence,” calling for:
- A single command structure to avoid ambiguity in authority.
- Robust conflict resolution mechanisms to address internal grievances.
- Message coordination that translates from the national level to the grassroots.
Commitment to Earned Victory
Professor Yilwatda maintained that the APC does not seek victory through legal technicalities or the disqualification of opponents. He stressed that the party’s preference is to win through “popular legitimacy” and the power of persuasion at the ballot box.
”Victory is sweeter when it is earned,” Yilwatda said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to supporting the current administration’s reforms aimed at long-term economic productivity and national renewal.
