The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has denied claims that the party protects its members from prosecution over corruption allegations. In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Yilwatda stated that APC members facing criminal charges still appear in court without party interference. He emphasized that the party would not interfere with their fundamental human rights in the name of prosecution.
Yilwatda cited examples of party members undergoing prosecution, who appear in court daily, and stressed that the APC cannot deny people their fundamental human rights through strict prosecution. He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, citing internal polls that indicate the party is leading. According to Yilwatda, the party has conducted fact-finding and gathered real statistics across states.
The APC chairman mentioned that the president is expected to face opposition from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). However, Yilwatda expressed no fear of opposition parties, citing their inability to win elections ahead of 2027 as an advantage for the ruling party. He also described Tinubu as "far better" than Atiku Abubakar.
Yilwatda defended the president's economic policies, stating that the administration has introduced tax laws benefiting low-income Nigerians. He argued that these tax reforms have expanded the tax base and increased government revenue. Regarding electricity, Yilwatda noted that the APC-led government has empowered state governments to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
The APC chairman acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but described the situation as temporary. He expressed optimism that Nigerians believe in the party and its leadership. Yilwatda also addressed internal disagreements within the party following its primary elections, outlining a three-pronged approach to resolve grievances among aggrieved members.
On the party's presidential campaign council, Yilwatda stated that the leadership is reviewing the list and will inaugurate it soon. He also expressed no objection to the Rainbow Coalition, associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, supporting Tinubu's re-election bid. Yilwatda dismissed campaigners calling for Tinubu's removal, describing them as opposition members whose activities do not reflect Nigerians' views about the president.
Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has denied reports claiming he called on Nigerians to reject the APC. In a statement, Adelabu described the report as false and misleading, accusing those behind it of attempting to undermine his relationship with Tinubu and the party leadership. Adelabu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC despite disagreements surrounding the party's governorship nomination process in Oyo State.
Key points
- APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda denies shielding party members from corruption probes.
- Yilwatda expresses confidence in President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
- Former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu denies reports calling for rejection of the APC.
