2027: Atiku’s LGA still voted APC recently — Yilwatda dismisses ADC relevance
National Chairman of APC Downplays Opposition Threat Ahead of 2027 Elections
Maiduguri, Borno State – Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed concerns over the electoral viability of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. His comments followed the APC’s recent success in a by-election held in Ganye Local Government Area, a region associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Yilwatda made these statements during a Saturday briefing with journalists at the conclusion of a three-day APC retreat attended by members of the party’s National Working Committee, as well as elected National Executive Committee members and state chairpersons.
“Even last week, we had a by-election in Ganye, where Atiku comes from, and we won the election,” Yilwatda said, emphasizing the party’s stronghold in the area. He expressed confidence in the APC’s position ahead of the upcoming elections, deeming suggestions of a significant challenge from new opposition platforms—such as the ADC and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—as unfounded.
The APC chairman also highlighted the party’s performance in five recent by-elections across Nigeria, noting that the APC secured victories in four contests, with its only loss occurring to the Allied Peoples Movement.
Yilwatda further asserted that recent electoral outcomes did not support narratives of an emerging opposition surge. “We went to Ekiti and came first; the PDP came second. In Osun, we placed second; none of those political parties you claim won even a councillorship,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that opposition parties should not be viewed as serious competitors.
He characterized these parties as mere participants in the electoral process, questioning their ability to challenge the APC effectively. “If they can’t even win a councillorship, are we contesting against them?” he asked, reiterating his view that they are not genuine contenders.
Looking ahead, Yilwatda affirmed that the APC is already preparing for the 2027 elections and expressed confidence in the party’s capacity to maintain its leadership. “We are very confident that our party can win this election; we are prepared to win the 2027 election,” he stated.
The chairman also referenced the APC’s performance in recent legislative elections in Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe, arguing these results reflect the party’s sustained influence beyond its traditional bases. He criticized media reports suggesting a growing opposition presence, claiming they do not accurately represent the sentiment at the grassroots level.
