The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nantewe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns over the defection of Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, stating that the development poses no threat to the ruling party.
Yilwatda made the comment on Wednesday in Abuja while APC candidacy and expression of interest forms were being sold and submitted ahead of the 2027 general elections,
The APC chairman responded to events within opposition parties by saying that internal conflicts between opposition groupings were their fault and had no bearing on the APC.
Additionally, he downplayed the resignation of about eighteen members of the National Assembly from the ADC to the NDC, characterizing the movement as politically unimportant.
“APC is unaffected if someone leaves ADC to join the NDC or another opposition party,” he stated.
“Let them resolve their issues. APC is still strong, and we are advancing with impressive numbers.
Noting that none of the defectors were APC members, Yilwatda further contended that opposition individuals were only shifting within the same political sphere.
“You mentioned NDC. People claim we bribed them to join APC, yet no one speaks up when they leave the party. There are no members of our party that are defecting. He said, “They are fishing from the same pond.”
While speaking on the ongoing purchase of nomination forms, the APC chairman said the turnout reflected growing public support for the ruling party across the country.
“Nigerians are happy with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party across all geopolitical zones,” he said.
“We are encouraged by the large number of people coming out to purchase our forms.”
He claims that the APC is still organized and in a strong position ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is only possible in APC, and we are happy to see it under our administration,” he continued.
Citing deadlines outlined in the Electoral Act, Yilwatda also ruled out the prospect of extending the deadline for purchasing and submitting nomination forms.
He stated, “We are time bound, but we would have loved to extend the time.”
The time range for holding primaries and submitting results is restricted by the Electoral Act. Additionally, we wish to prevent needless problems.
He added that the party would implement steps during the screening process, in order to avoid crowding and guarantee a smooth application procedure for candidates.
Yilwatda acknowledged the enormous number of supporters at the site, but he also stated that entry will still be controlled throughout the screening, citing the gathering as proof of the APC’s rising national popularity.
