National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the North would be the ultimate loser if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not secure a fresh mandate in the 2027 general elections. He made this remark while receiving members of the African Democratic Congress who defected to the ruling party, led by Princess Aslam Aliyu.
Professor Yilwatda listed ongoing and completed road infrastructure projects across states in the Northern region, noting that the main beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund were from the North. He mentioned that most states in the region could not pay the salaries of workers and the gratuities of pensioners before Tinubu came to office.
In apparent reference to the vow by the ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to return fuel subsidy if elected as President, the APC National Chairman declared that states in the North benefited more from the removal of the subsidy regime. He questioned how the opposition would fund their proposed return of subsidy, citing ongoing road constructions and gas projects in the North.
The APC National Chairman queried the feasibility of returning to the subsidy regime, pointing out that it would halt development projects such as road constructions, gas supply, and fertiliser distribution. He noted that these projects were crucial to the North and would increase poverty in the region if abandoned.
Professor Yilwatda revealed that about 30 states in Nigeria could not pay salaries, with all of them located in the North. He stated that none of these states could pay salaries or gratuities as of 2023, when President Tinubu took over, and warned that losing the 2027 election would exacerbate poverty in the region.
Earlier, Honourable Mohammed Hassan, speaking on behalf of the defectors, pleaded with the APC National Chairman to integrate them into the party. He pledged their commitment to support President Tinubu's Renewable Agenda 2027, mobilise their people, and promote development and services in Nigeria with sincerity and dedication.
The defectors, led by Princess Aslam Aliyu, joined the APC from the African Democratic Congress, citing a desire to support President Tinubu's agenda and contribute to Nigeria's development. The APC National Chairman welcomed them, assuring them of their integration into the party and the opportunity to contribute to its growth.
Key points
- The North will be the ultimate loser if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not secure a fresh mandate in 2027, according to APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
- States in the North benefited more from the removal of the subsidy regime, according to Professor Yilwatda.
- About 30 states in Nigeria, all located in the North, could not pay salaries or gratuities as of 2023, when President Tinubu took over.
