ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Nantewe Yilwatda, dismissed concerns that former ADC governor Peter Obi’s defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) threatens the ruling party’s position. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing sale and submission of APC nomination and expression‑of‑interest forms for the 2027 general elections, Yilwatda said the development has no impact on the APC.
Yilwatda noted that internal disputes within opposition parties are the responsibility of those parties and do not affect the APC’s agenda. He also downplayed the recent resignation of roughly 18 National Assembly members from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, labeling the move “politically insignificant.” “If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC,” he said.
The chairman argued that opposition politicians are merely shifting within the same political space and emphasized that none of the defectors were former APC members. “You talk about NDC. When people join APC, they claim we paid them, but when they defect among themselves, nobody says anything. None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” Yilwatda said.
Addressing the high turnout at the nomination‑form sales, Yilwatda linked the enthusiasm to growing public support for the ruling party across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. “Nigerians are happy with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party across all zones. We are encouraged by the large number of people coming out to purchase our forms,” he added.
Yilwatda affirmed that the APC remains well‑organised and positioned ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that the party’s internal processes are being conducted within the time limits set by the Electoral Act. He rejected calls to extend the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, stating, “We would have loved to extend the time, but we are time‑bound. The Electoral Act limits the timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results, and we want to avoid unnecessary complications.”
To manage the large crowds expected at screening venues, the APC will introduce measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth process for aspirants. While acknowledging the sizable turnout, Yilwatda said access will still be regulated, describing the crowd as evidence of the party’s expanding popularity nationwide.
The statements come as opposition parties grapple with internal realignments ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, while the APC seeks to consolidate its base and complete its candidate screening ahead of the statutory deadlines.
