Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed concerns over the reported defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from ADC to NDC, insisting the development poses no threat to the ruling party.
Yilwatda made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing purchase and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC chairman said opposition parties should focus on resolving their internal disputes rather than linking their challenges to the ruling party.
According to him, the resignation of about 18 National Assembly members from ADC to NDC was insignificant and incapable of affecting APC’s strength.
“If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC,” Yilwatda said.
“Let them sort out their problems. APC remains solid and we are moving forward with strong numbers.”
He also criticised what he described as double standards in public reactions to defections within political parties.
“You talked about NDC. When people join APC, they claim we paid them, but when they defect among themselves, nobody says anything,” he stated.
“None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond.”
Speaking on the ongoing sale of nomination forms, Yilwatda said the turnout of aspirants reflected growing nationwide acceptance of the APC.
“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.”
The APC chairman maintained that the party was fully prepared for the 2027 elections and described the current mobilisation as evidence of its national dominance.
“This can only happen in APC, and we are pleased to witness it under our administration,” he added.
Yilwatda also ruled out extending the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, citing provisions of the Electoral Act.
“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.”
He further disclosed that measures would be introduced during the screening of aspirants to reduce overcrowding and ensure a smooth process.
According to him, while the large crowds of supporters demonstrate the party’s popularity, access during the screening exercise would still be controlled to maintain order.
The APC chairman said the massive turnout at the venue underscored the party’s growing popularity and national acceptance ahead of the 2027 polls.
NAN