Yilwatda Warns ‘Self-Serving Politicians’ Against Sabotaging North Development Plan

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned against what he described as attempts by “self-serving politicians” to derail the ongoing development initiatives targeted at transforming Northern Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Yilwatda said the current investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and energy are part of a deliberate strategy to reposition the North as an economic powerhouse and a key driver of regional integration in West and Central Africa.

The APC chairman made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.

He stressed that the scale of ongoing federal interventions shows a clear commitment to long-term economic renewal rather than short-term political gains.

“The vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Northern Nigeria goes beyond politics; it is a structured developmental agenda designed to unlock the region’s full potential,” Yilwatda said.

“Within the lifetime of this administration, the North will emerge stronger economically, supported by infrastructure, human capital development and strategic investments.”

He noted that the region’s geographical position gives it a natural advantage as a gateway to neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic, adding that improved infrastructure would enhance trade and cross-border cooperation.

Yilwatda highlighted ongoing projects in road construction, rail modernisation, power supply expansion and agricultural development as central to the administration’s economic blueprint for the region.

According to him, these interventions are aimed at boosting productivity, reducing transportation costs and strengthening value chains across key sectors.

On education, the APC chairman described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a transformative policy that would widen access to higher education, particularly for young people in the North.

“Education remains the foundation of sustainable development. With NELFUND, no qualified Nigerian child should be denied tertiary education because of financial constraints,” he said.

Yilwatda also pointed to renewed focus on agriculture, noting that improved security measures and government support are already encouraging farmers to return to their farms.

He said investments in irrigation, livestock development, mechanisation and agro-processing would enhance food security and position the region as a major exporter of agricultural produce.

The APC chairman urged leaders across the North—including traditional rulers, political actors, youth organisations and business stakeholders—to support the Tinubu administration’s development agenda.

He cautioned that distractions and political rivalries could undermine progress already being made.

“This is a defining moment for Northern Nigeria. We must not allow selfish interests to frustrate a historic opportunity for transformation,” he warned.

Yilwatda also described President Tinubu as a “resilient democrat” whose political journey reflects consistency in leadership and commitment to national development.

He said opposition parties had failed to demonstrate unity and capacity, arguing that their internal crises raise questions about their ability to govern effectively.

“Their record shows instability and lack of cohesion. Nigeria cannot afford to return to such uncertainty,” he said.

The APC chairman reaffirmed that the North remains central to the administration’s national development strategy and assured that ongoing projects would be sustained to deliver long-term benefits.

He added that the party remains committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of the region, describing the North’s renewal as both achievable and irreversible.