The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has assured Nigerians that politicians defecting to the ruling party will not be shielded from investigation or prosecution. He made this statement during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye. Yilwatda emphasized that membership of the party does not confer immunity from the law.
Yilwatda dismissed allegations that politicians facing legal challenges could secure protection by joining the APC. He challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence that the party had shielded any of its members from prosecution. According to him, "Nobody is protected." The APC chairman further argued that members of the APC continued to appear in court over cases against them.
The APC chairman invoked the presumption of innocence, stating that anyone who had not been convicted was presumed innocent under the law. He cited examples of party members who were undergoing prosecution and appearing in court daily. Yilwatda questioned whether these members were less members of the APC simply because they were facing legal scrutiny.
Yilwatda addressed the growing wave of defections to the ruling party, stating that joining the party did not automatically confer protection on anyone facing legal scrutiny. He argued that the legal process must be allowed to run its course. The chairman emphasized that the party's membership did not insulate politicians from legal consequences.
On the party's internal disputes, Yilwatda said the APC had established committees to engage aggrieved stakeholders and resolve disagreements. He acknowledged that political parties with large memberships could not be expected to operate without friction. The chairman maintained that disagreements within the party should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a breakdown in its internal structures.
Yilwatda discussed the party's approach to managing competing interests ahead of future elections. He stated that the APC was working to resolve internal disputes and disagreements. The chairman expressed confidence in the party's ability to manage its internal challenges.
The APC chairman's statement comes amid growing concerns about corruption and the role of politicians in Nigeria. Yilwatda's assurance that defectors will not be shielded from prosecution is seen as a move to promote transparency and accountability within the party. The chairman's statement is also expected to address concerns about the party's internal disputes and its ability to manage competing interests.
Key points
- APC chairman assures Nigerians defectors won't be shielded from investigation or prosecution
- Yilwatda dismisses allegations of political protection for party members
- Party members are still facing trial, says Yilwatda
