Only APC Has Capacity to Lead Nigeria, Says Yilwatda

Only APC Has Capacity to Lead Nigeria, Says Yilwatda

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party remains the only political platform with the structure and capacity to lead Nigeria effectively.

Yilwatda made the assertion in Abuja while addressing issues around governance, party politics and national development, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.

He said the APC has, over time, developed the institutional strength, national spread and internal discipline required to manage the demands of a complex and diverse country like Nigeria.

“The All Progressives Congress is not an ad hoc coalition held together by convenience. It is a tested and enduring political machine built on structure, experience and the capacity to respond to the real needs of Nigerians,” he said.

The APC chairman noted that governance comes with challenges but maintained that the party is committed to supporting reforms aimed at achieving long-term stability, productivity and economic growth.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on nation-building and requires sustained political backing to deliver on its objectives.

According to him, the APC understands the weight of governance and will continue to provide the political support needed to drive reforms and strengthen democratic institutions.

Yilwatda criticised opposition parties for what he described as persistent internal crises, saying such developments raise concerns about their readiness for national leadership.

“A party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria,” he said, adding that recurring factional disputes and lack of cohesion within opposition ranks are signs of deeper structural weaknesses.

He urged Nigerians to distinguish between political rhetoric and actual capacity, insisting that the APC remains better positioned to provide stability and effective governance.

On elections, the party chairman said the APC believes in winning through popular support rather than relying on technicalities, stressing that legitimacy must come from the people.

“Victory is sweeter when it is earned and freely given by the people,” he said.

He also pointed to recent efforts by the Federal Government in addressing insecurity, particularly the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, as a sign of growing institutional accountability.

According to him, the approach reflects a broader strategy that combines military operations with judicial processes and intelligence coordination.

“What we are seeing is movement beyond arrests toward institutional accountability. It shows that the government is confronting insecurity within the framework of the law,” he said.

Yilwatda said sustainable security must be anchored on justice, deterrence and credible prosecution, adding that visible consequences for criminal acts are essential to restoring public confidence.

Turning to party activities in Osun State, he said the APC is strengthening its structures ahead of future elections, describing the state as strategically important to the party’s fortunes in the South-West.

He called for unity, discipline and a clear command structure within the party’s campaign framework, warning that internal divisions could undermine electoral success.

“Every successful political operation requires one clear command structure. There must be no ambiguity in authority or overlap in responsibilities,” he said.

He described Osun as a key political battleground and a rehearsal ground for the 2027 general elections, urging party members to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition.

Yilwatda said the party is focusing on grassroots mobilisation, coordinated messaging and data-driven strategies to strengthen its engagement with voters.

He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to democratic governance, economic recovery and national stability, adding that the party remains prepared to lead Nigeria through its current phase of transition.

“Nigeria needs steadiness, structure, courage and capacity. The APC represents that responsibility. We are prepared, tested and committed to doing the hard work required to move this country forward,” he said.