The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nantewe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns over Peter Obi’s defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the development poses no threat to the ruling party.
Yilwatda spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing sale and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to developments within opposition parties, the APC chairman said the internal crisis rocking opposition groups was their affair and had no effect on the APC.
He also downplayed the defection of about 18 National Assembly members from the ADC to the NDC, describing the move as politically insignificant.
“If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC,” he said.
“Let them resolve their issues. APC remains strong and we are moving forward with massive support.”
‘They are fishing from the same pond’ – Yilwatda
Yilwatda argued that the opposition politicians were simply moving within the same political circle, stressing that none of those defecting belonged to the APC.
“You mentioned NDC. When people join APC, they say we induced them, but when they move among themselves, nobody talks. None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” he stated.
Speaking on the ongoing purchase of nomination forms, the APC chairman said the turnout showed increasing public support for the ruling party across the country.
“Nigerians are satisfied with what the APC is doing. The party enjoys acceptance across all geopolitical zones,” he said.
“We are encouraged by the large number of aspirants purchasing forms.”
According to him, the APC remains organised and well-positioned ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is something only APC can achieve, and we are happy to witness it under our leadership,” he added.
READ ALSO:
- APC Returns Yilwatda, Ajibola Basiru as National Chairman, Secretary
- APC Begins Sale of 2027 Nomination Forms, Adopts Hybrid Primaries
- APC Did Not Use INEC to Weaken ADC, Opposition: Aliyu Faruk
- Tinubu Nominates Ex-DG SEC Lamido Yuguda as CBN Deputy Governor
- Obi Vows Crackdown on Criminality, Labels Fuel Subsidy ‘Organised Crime’
No Extension for Nomination Exercise
Yilwatda also ruled out extending the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, citing the timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act.
“We would have loved to extend the deadline, but we are constrained by time,” he said.
“The Electoral Act provides a specific timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results. We also want to avoid unnecessary complications.”
He added that the party would put measures in place during the screening exercise to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth process for aspirants.
While acknowledging the large number of supporters at the venue, Yilwatda said access would still be controlled during screening, describing the crowd as further proof of the APC’s growing popularity nationwide.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.