The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asserted that its large membership base, extensive grassroots network, and significant number of elected officials give it an edge over other political parties in Nigeria. According to the party's National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC has 13 million registered members, 31 governors, and over 261,000 executive members. This, Yilwatda claims, makes the APC approximately three times larger than its closest rival.
Yilwatda made these statements while receiving a pre-election fact-finding mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by former Sierra Leone Vice-President, Victor Bockarie Foh. The mission aimed to assess Nigeria's political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yilwatda highlighted the party's nationwide structures and grassroots strength, citing its membership records, elected officials, support groups, and established internal structures as evidence of its strength.
The APC's National Chairman disclosed that the party's membership database and identification system provide a strong foundation for effective grassroots engagement, mobilisation, and electoral planning. He explained that the party maintains elected and appointed executive structures from the ward level through local governments and states to the national level. This, according to Yilwatda, enables the party to mobilize support and coordinate campaigns effectively.
The APC currently has 31 governors out of 36, 88 senators out of 109, and 208 members of the House of Representatives out of 360 seats. The party also enjoys a significant presence in state Houses of Assembly across the country. Yilwatda stressed that the party's strength is not limited to elected officeholders, as it also enjoys support from a broad range of organised groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Yilwatda revealed that the APC has inaugurated its campaign council, commenced activities, and uploaded its candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) portal ahead of rival parties. He expected INEC to adhere strictly to its published electoral timetable, ensuring fairness among political parties. The APC's preparations for the 2027 elections are based on its organisational capacity, candidate readiness, and nationwide structures.
The head of the ECOWAS mission, Victor Bockarie Foh, stated that the team was assessing Nigeria's political environment to support the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections. The mission's findings will be based on systematic observation, verification, and credible data rather than assumptions. Foh added that the team would rely on scientific observations, verified information, and data collected through its application system to guide its findings and recommendations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections. The APC's claims of having a significant advantage over its rivals are based on its organisational capacity, membership base, and elected officials. The party's ability to mobilize support and coordinate campaigns effectively will be crucial in the upcoming elections.
Key points
- The APC claims to have 13 million registered members, 31 governors, and over 261,000 executive members.
- The party's National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, asserts that the APC is approximately three times larger than its closest rival.
- The ECOWAS mission is assessing Nigeria's political environment to support the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.
