Nigeria’s governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed unwavering confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election prospects, dismissing concerns about potential electoral challenges. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s newly appointed National Chairman, asserted during a meeting with supporters in Abuja that Tinubu’s administration has already laid a foundation strong enough to secure another term.
Speaking to members of the APC League of Professionals at the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday, Yilwatda emphasized the ruling party’s commitment to retaining power at all levels of government. “President Tinubu has nothing to fear. We will ensure victory not only for him but for every APC candidate contesting governorship, national, and state assembly positions in the next elections,” he said. The declaration came during a solidarity visit by pro-Tinubu advocates, who gathered to rally support for the administration’s policies.
Yilwatda attributed his confidence to the Tinubu government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which he claimed has delivered tangible benefits to Nigerians. He highlighted the introduction of a federal student loan scheme, positioning it as a historic intervention enabling underprivileged students to access higher education without financial constraints. “For the first time, the child of the poorest Nigerian can pursue education to the highest level without borrowing money. This is unprecedented,” he stated.
The APC chairman also pointed to agricultural initiatives, including a recent ₦1.5 billion ($1 million) disbursement to the Bank of Agriculture, aimed at empowering youth interested in farming. These programs, he argued, reflect the administration’s focus on inclusive economic growth.
Yilwatda, a politician from Plateau State in central Nigeria, assumed the APC leadership role in July 2024 amid intra-party debates over strategy ahead of the 2027 polls. While his remarks underscore the party’s bullish outlook, opposition groups have questioned the impact of Tinubu’s reforms, citing persistent inflation and security challenges. Nevertheless, the APC’s public display of unity signals a concerted effort to frame the next electoral cycle around its social welfare agenda, betting on grassroots support to offset potential voter dissatisfaction.
Political analysts note that Tinubu’s prospects may hinge on broader economic recovery and the implementation of promised reforms. For now, Yilwatda’s rhetoric sets the stage for a campaign centered on continuity, with the APC positioning itself as the architect of Nigeria’s “transformational” policies.
