National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed the threat posed by opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Briefing journalists at the conclusion of a three-day retreat in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Saturday, he said parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would merely be participating in the polls rather than mounting a serious contest against the ruling party.
The event brought together members of the National Working Committee (NWC), elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members, and state chairmen of the ruling party.
According to the APC chairman, the party’s electoral prospects remain formidable, citing recent outcomes from five by-elections held across the country.
He said the ruling party secured victory in four of the contests, losing only one to the APM—not to the major opposition parties “often touted” in the media.
“We went to Ekiti and came first; the party that came second was the PDP, not the so-called opposition (ADC and NDC). We went to Osun and we became second, none of those political parties you claimed won even a councillorship.
“So if they can’t even win a councillorship, are we contesting against them? As far as I am concerned, they are participants in this election, not contesting with us. We are very confident that our party can win this election; we are prepared to win the 2027 election.”
Highlighting further electoral data, Yilwatda referenced off-cycle polls in Osun and legislative contests in the North, including Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe, where the APC recorded strong showings.
He argued that media narratives regarding opposition momentum do not align with realities on the ground.
“Even last week, we had a by-election in Adamawa, in Ganye local government, where Atiku comes from, and we won the election. We are very grounded, and I doubt if any party can challenge us,” he said.
Retreat Resolutions and Votes of Confidence
Detailing the resolutions reached during the three-day retreat, Yilwatda announced that the party leadership observed a moment of mourning, extending condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the tragic loss of 37 miners.
He also noted that the NWC conducted a comprehensive review of the party’s structures from the national level down to the polling units, giving the APC a “clean bill of health” as a strong, healthy, and well-oiled machine heading into 2027.
Crucially, the gathering passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and all party candidates emerging from primary elections.
“We strongly believe that we produce some of the most credible candidates, most acceptable, and most prepared to serve the people of Nigeria,” Yilwatda remarked.
The party also resolved to intensify grassroots reconciliation efforts, urging state chapters to establish committees to consolidate unity and preserve past electoral gains. The NWC pledged to lead campaigns from the front, highlighting the administration’s achievements.
Pointing to recent electoral breakthroughs in areas traditionally considered opposition strongholds—such as winning senatorial seats in states where the party previously struggled—Yilwatda expressed optimism about the APC’s widening national appeal.
Concluding the briefing, the APC Chairman expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support over the past three years and called on citizens and party faithful to turn out en masse to re-elect President Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.
(Punch)
