The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed the opposition parties’ planned coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it is “dead on arrival”.
Speaking during a radio programme in Jos, Yilwatda said the ruling party was not threatened by any politician or alliance, including the possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting.
“APC is not scared of any name in Nigeria. Our engines and machineries are well-oiled and prepared to win elections emphatically. The issue is not about individuals but about the party. Which vehicle will carry Jonathan? Is it ADC? Is it PDP?” he asked.
He described the opposition as fragmented and lacking a national presence, insisting that they were reduced to small, scattered groups without real influence.
Yilwatda also took aim at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, accusing it of poor governance and alleging that it has “the worst corruption cases under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
PDP Dismisses APC Chairman’s Claims
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State quickly dismissed Yilwatda’s comments as “mere ambition and rhetoric”.
In a statement on Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, described the APC Chairman’s claim that his party would install a governor in Plateau during the 2027 elections as “unrealistic and a misreading of the political mood in the state”.
READ ALSO: APC Targets Fubara As Emergency Rule Ends
“While the PDP acknowledges that Professor Nentawe is free to dream and express his opinion, it is worth reminding him that producing the next governor of our dear state requires far more than mere ambition or rhetoric,” Amande said.
The PDP stressed that only the people of Plateau, not an individual or party hierarchy, could decide who governs them.
PDP Points to Strong Structures
Highlighting its influence across Plateau, the PDP said its resilience, capacity, and commitment to service had kept it firmly rooted in the state’s political landscape.
According to Amande, the party maintains “solid structures across all wards of the local government areas” and has a “proven record of governance under the people’s governor, Caleb Mutfwang.”
He added that leadership was not about personal aspiration but about broad acceptance and capacity to earn the confidence of the electorate, qualities he said the PDP had consistently demonstrated through people-centred policies and inclusive governance.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to unity, democratic consolidation, and sustained development in Plateau State. It pledged to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen engagement with citizens, and continue implementing policies that improve livelihoods.
“Our focus remains on strengthening our unity, consolidating democratic gains, and working closely with the people to ensure more progress and development in the state,” Amande said.
The party also promised constructive engagement with the electorate in the run-up to the 2027 elections, guided by fairness, accountability, and service delivery.
While acknowledging Yilwatda’s role as a stakeholder in Plateau politics, the PDP urged him to recognise that leadership requires more than ambition.
“The task of leadership goes far beyond personal aspirations. It requires broad-based acceptance and tested capacity to gain the confidence of the electorate,” the statement reiterated.
The party called on its members, supporters, and the Plateau electorate to remain steadfast, expressing confidence in the PDP’s ability to secure another mandate in 2027.
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.
