APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Plot to Disrupt Primaries

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants contesting on the platform of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections to conduct themselves peacefully during the forthcoming primaries or risk severe disciplinary sanctions.

Yilwatda gave the warning while addressing aspirants who recently participated in screening exercises conducted by committees set up by the party for the 2027 electoral process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the party would not tolerate acts capable of undermining the credibility of its internal democratic process.

He cautioned aspirants and their supporters against sponsoring violence, instigating unrest, engaging in anti-party activities or attempting to compromise the integrity of the primaries.

According to him, anyone found culpable would face sanctions, including possible suspension from the party.

“The party remains committed to transparent, peaceful, credible and democratic primaries,” Yilwatda stated.

He said the APC had built a reputation as one of the most organised political parties in the country and would not allow personal ambitions to override the collective interest of the party and national stability.

The APC chairman reminded aspirants that electoral contests naturally produce winners and losers, urging them to approach the process with maturity and sportsmanship.

“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached,” he said.

“I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy.”

Yilwatda also urged party members to see themselves as ambassadors of the APC whose conduct before, during and after the primaries would reflect the values and discipline of the ruling party.

The APC chairman used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained efforts toward strengthening democratic institutions and repositioning the party for future electoral victories.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has continued to pursue reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for long-term national growth.

He said despite inheriting serious economic and structural challenges, the administration had embarked on major reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation and digital innovation.

Yilwatda highlighted ongoing road projects, rail expansion, power sector investments and interventions in agriculture as part of measures targeted at boosting economic productivity and improving living standards.

“The infrastructure revolution currently ongoing under President Tinubu’s leadership will have far-reaching effects on economic productivity, job creation, market access and national competitiveness,” he said.

The APC chairman further called on party faithful and stakeholders across the country to remain united and committed to the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

He maintained that the achievements recorded so far under the Renewed Hope Agenda provide strong justification for continuity beyond the current administration’s first term.

Yilwatda assured members that the APC leadership would continue to uphold fairness, inclusiveness and internal cohesion in managing party affairs ahead of the elections.