The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nantewe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns over Peter Obi’s defection from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, insisting that the move poses no threat to the ruling party. He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing sale and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reacting to recent developments within opposition parties, the APC chairman said the internal crises rocking opposition groups were their own affairs and had no bearing on the APC.
He also downplayed the reported defection of about 18 National Assembly members from the ADC to the NDC, describing the development as politically insignificant. He noted that if someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC. Yilwatda also ruled out extending the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, citing timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act. He explained that the party would have loved to extend the time, but they are time bound, noting that the Electoral Act limits the timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results and they want to avoid unnecessary complications.
He added that the party would introduce measures during the screening process to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth exercise for aspirants. While acknowledging the large number of supporters present at the venue, Yilwatda described the turnout as evidence of the APC’s growing popularity nationwide, while noting that access would still be controlled during screening. The chairman’s remarks come at a time when opposition figures are increasingly exploring new alliances, yet the ruling party leadership remains adamant that its grassroots structures and internal cohesion remain superior to any emerging coalition.
As the political landscape continues to shift with the rise of the NDC, do you believe that the consolidation of various movements under a single opposition party will be enough to bridge the gap between the opposition and the APC’s established nationwide structure?
