The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured party members that the ruling party will translate its numerical strength and organisational capacity into victory in the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the House of Representatives Aspirants Forum for Tinubu/Shettima 2027, disclosing that the APC had more than 261,000 executive committee members nationwide, as well as more governors, ministers, local government chairmen and councillors than other political parties.
He said the party was committed to inclusiveness, providing opportunities for members regardless of their age, gender, educational background, religion, tribe or disability.
He stated, “You know, this party is a party that has harnessed people from all groups. We build an inclusive environment where everybody feels they belong.
“Whether you’re young or old, there’s a space for you. Whether you’re a woman or a man, or even a person with a disability, we have a space for you. Whether educated or illiterate, we also have a space for you.
“Regardless of your religion or your tribe, we have a space for you. Our party thrives on inclusion, and that’s what we’ve been trying to build and preach.
“So there are spaces for people, but there are time constraints, too. Everybody plays his role, and destiny has space for everybody, and destiny has time for everybody. I am somebody who believes in destiny. But even if there’s destiny, you must work for that destiny, and this is where what you’re doing is right.”
The APC chairman described President Bola Tinubu as the most credible presidential candidate among others jostling for the position in 2027, urging members to support his bid for a second term.
“The APC has space for everybody. At the same time, I want to thank those who believe in this party and moved from the opposition. No political party, as it stands today, has a more credible candidate than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Yilwatda also praised the administration’s infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and rail connections, saying they would strengthen Nigeria’s economic position in West and Central Africa.
“For those of us from the North, we keep bragging that no President has given more thought to bringing power to the North than Mr President. The APC government is building critical infrastructure, and anybody who has travelled around any country in the world, particularly any developed country, knows that if the country is by the ocean, it has what we call a coastal road,” he said.
He added that the government was extending the coastal road to take advantage of the maritime economy and developing rail links and inland port facilities to improve regional trade.
The APC chairman also defended the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, saying the monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000 provided support for students from vulnerable backgrounds.
He cited the example of a beneficiary who reportedly used part of her allowance to purchase a second-hand refrigerator and start an iced-fish business, arguing that the scheme could help students become financially independent.
Yilwatda reiterated that the APC had the organisational capacity to win the 2027 elections, urging the aspirants to work with the party at the grassroots.
“So let me thank you and assure you that we have reason to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. We have facts and records. If we compare them with those of any other candidate on the ballot, none matches our candidate. None. I mean, none. None.
“In terms of organisational structure, our party is the most organised. In terms of numbers, we have the highest number of executive committee members compared with any political party.
“Our party has over 261,000 executive committee members. That’s just the party’s executive committee members, not to mention,” he said.
In another development, the APC Presidential Campaign Council has said Tinubu’s second term will accelerate Nigeria’s economic transformation and prosperity.
The Convener of The Alternative Movement and member of the APC PCC Directorate of Media and Strategic Communication, Segun Showunmi, in a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said continuity in leadership would enable the government to consolidate ongoing economic reforms, strengthen national stability and expand opportunities for Nigerians.
Showunmi explained that the next phase of Tinubu’s administration should focus on accelerating infrastructure development, boosting local production, creating jobs and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach ordinary Nigerians.
He stated, “A second term should be a period of accelerated delivery, expanded opportunity and a more visible connection between national economic progress and household prosperity.
“For me, the case for President Bola Tinubu is a case for continuity of purpose, accelerated implementation and the consolidation of economic reforms in the service of national prosperity.
“I believe President Tinubu’s second term should be devoted to accelerating that mission and ensuring that the promise of a greater Nigeria becomes increasingly visible in the lives of our citizens.
“I therefore call on Nigerians to join this national mission and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.”
Tinubu is seeking re-election for a second term in 2027, while opposition leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, alongside Seyi Makinde of the Allied People’s Movement and others, have argued that he should not seek another term, citing what they describe as his failure to deliver good governance.
The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu has performed well and deserves re-election.