The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence in the party's chances of winning the 2027 general elections. He described opposition parties contesting the polls as "just participants." Yilwatda made this statement while briefing journalists at the end of a three-day retreat organised for members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Yilwatda, the APC had completed key preparations for the 2027 elections, including the inauguration of campaign councils and reconciliation committees. He expressed confidence in candidates produced through the party's primary elections, saying the NWC had resolved to intensify its campaign ahead of the polls. The party would drive its campaign by highlighting what it described as the achievements of President Bola Tinubu's administration to voters.
The retreat also ended with the APC passing a vote of confidence in Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other APC candidates ahead of the elections. Yilwatda addressed concerns over internal disputes arising from the party's primary elections, stating that between 6,000 and 7,000 members participated in the exercises across the country, while about 100 cases had been taken to court.
Yilwatda said the figures demonstrated the APC's confidence in the outcome of its primaries, adding that the party remained focused on the 2027 elections. He compared the APC's preparations with those of other political parties, mentioning the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to him, the NDC had constituted a body which it later described as a support group, while the ADC had only announced its campaign leaders and was yet to constitute its campaign council.
The APC chairman highlighted the party's early preparations, saying the ruling party had already constituted its campaign council. He pointed to the APC's electoral record as he sought to underline the party's readiness for the 2027 contest. "We are the most prepared; we contested in many elections and won," Yilwatda said.
Yilwatda further emphasised the party's readiness, stating that the major opposition parties had never won a councilorship election. He said the party would continue its campaign and reconciliation efforts as it works towards the 2027 general elections. The retreat also featured a condolence message to the government and people of Niger State over the deaths of 37 individuals who died in custody.
The APC chairman concluded by expressing confidence in the party's chances of winning the 2027 elections. He said, "We are very confident our party would win the elections." With the party's preparations underway, the APC is poised to face the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expresses confidence in the party's chances of winning the 2027 general elections.
- The party has completed key preparations, including the inauguration of campaign councils and reconciliation committees.
- Yilwatda describes opposition parties contesting the polls as "just participants."
