ADC is no match for APC — Yilwatda downplays opposition leaders’ influence
APC Chairman Downplays ADC’s Political Influence Ahead of 2027 Elections
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, asserted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) does not pose a significant challenge to the ruling party as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
In an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Tuesday, Yilwatda expressed confidence in the APC’s political strength, suggesting that the opposition’s figures, including ADC national chairman and former Senate President David Mark, lack comparable influence. “For every one person they have, we have five or six,” he stated.
Yilwatda’s comments also included a dismissal of concerns regarding the growing coalition’s impact on the ruling party, asserting that the APC faces no pressure from the opposition. He emphasized that the party has not coerced civil servants to join its ranks, challenging the validity of claims regarding forced recruitment. “We have never asked anybody, we have never appealed to any civil servant. Nobody has forced any civil servant in a letter, verbal; you can bring one video to that effect and I will apologize,” he asserted.
He suggested that allegations of forced enlistment may be politically motivated. “Maybe the opposition is forcing civil servants so they will have numbers,” Yilwatda added.
The APC chairman also indicated that the party remains unfazed by notable figures associated with the ADC, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. He pointed to the influx of governors from opposition parties into the APC as evidence of the party’s enduring influence.
In a separate interview with Trust TV, Yilwatda criticized opposition parties for relying heavily on media visibility rather than grassroots mobilization. “Opposition parties spend more time on TV talking,” he said. He emphasized that the APC’s political strength is rooted in effective behind-the-scenes organization rather than public commentary.
The comments from Yilwatda highlight the APC’s strategy as it prepares for the upcoming electoral contests while downplaying the opposition’s capacity to disrupt their hold on power.
