The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, has declared that the ruling party remains unconcerned about the reported defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from ADC to NDC.
Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing purchase and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the internal disagreements and defections within opposition parties have no bearing on the APC’s stability or political strength.
“If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC,” he said.
“Let them sort out their problems. APC remains solid and we are moving forward with strong numbers.”
The APC chairman also dismissed the resignation of about 18 National Assembly members from ADC to NDC, describing the development as insignificant and incapable of threatening the ruling party’s dominance.
“None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” Yilwatda stated.
He further criticised what he described as selective reactions to political defections, noting that APC is often accused of inducing politicians whenever opposition figures join the ruling party.
“When people join APC, they claim we paid them, but when they defect among themselves, nobody says anything,” he added.
APC Sees Rising Support Ahead of 2027
Speaking on the ongoing sale of nomination forms, Yilwatda said the massive turnout of aspirants and supporters reflected Nigerians’ increasing confidence in the APC administration.
“Nigerians are happy with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party across all geopolitical zones,” he said.
“We are encouraged by the large number of people coming out to purchase our forms.”
He maintained that the party was fully organised and strategically prepared for the 2027 elections.
“This can only happen in APC, and we are pleased to witness it under our administration,” he added.
No Extension for Nomination Forms
Yilwatda also ruled out extending the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, citing constitutional and electoral limitations.
“We would have loved to extend the time, but we are time-bound,” he explained.
“The Electoral Act limits the timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results. We also want to avoid unnecessary complications.”
The APC chairman disclosed that measures would be introduced during the screening of aspirants to reduce overcrowding and ensure a seamless process.
While acknowledging the large crowds at the venue, Yilwatda said access would still be controlled during screening exercises to maintain order.
He noted that the overwhelming presence of party supporters and aspirants further demonstrated the APC’s popularity and nationwide acceptance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Peter Obi contested the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party candidate.