Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed opposition parties as 'cut and join' entities that pose no threat to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to statements made following a three-day retreat in Maiduguri. Yilwatda emphasized that parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) lack the capacity to challenge the APC, citing their absence from major electoral contests and reliance on social media for visibility.
The retreat, attended by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and state chairmen, focused on reinforcing the APC’s electoral strategy. Yilwatda highlighted the party’s recent success in five nationwide by-elections, where it secured victories in four contests, losing only one to the Action People’s Movement (APM). He criticized the opposition for failing to win even local council seats, stating, 'They are participants in this election, not contesting with us.'
Yilwatda pointed to the APC’s performance in Ekiti and Osun states, where the party topped polls despite media narratives about opposition momentum. In Ekiti, the APC came first, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in second place, while in Osu, the APC placed second but noted that opposition parties like ADC and NDC did not secure any council seats. 'If they can’t even win a councillorship, are we contesting against them?' he asked.
The APC chairman also cited strong showings in legislative contests across the North and South-East, including Enugu, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe. He argued that media portrayals of opposition strength do not reflect ground realities, citing the party’s victory in a recent by-election in Ganye, Adamawa State—a region associated with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. 'We are very grounded, and I doubt if any party can challenge us because people know better now,' Yilwatda asserted.
The retreat also addressed internal party reforms, with the NWC conducting a comprehensive review of APC structures from the national level to polling units. Yilwatda described the party as a 'clean, strong, and well-oiled machine' heading into 2027. The gathering observed a moment of mourning for the 37 miners killed in a Niger State mining accident, extending condolences to the affected community.
A vote of confidence was passed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and APC candidates emerging from primary elections. Yilwatda emphasized the party’s commitment to producing 'credible, acceptable, and prepared' candidates. The NWC also pledged to intensify grassroots reconciliation efforts, urging state chapters to establish committees to consolidate unity and preserve electoral gains.
Yilwatda called on Nigerians to support the APC in the 2027 elections, citing the party’s record of achievements and expanding national appeal. He highlighted breakthroughs in traditionally opposition strongholds, such as winning senatorial seats in states where the APC previously struggled. 'We are confident that our party can win this election; we are prepared to win the 2027 election,' he concluded.
The retreat’s resolutions also included a reaffirmation of the APC’s leadership structure and a commitment to leading campaigns from the front. Yilwatda expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support over the past three years, urging mass participation in the 2027 polls to re-elect Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The APC’s confidence comes amid broader political developments, including calls for African representation in global governance. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently criticized the exclusion of Africa from the UN Security Council, stating it undermines global governance legitimacy. Meanwhile, President Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria after a trip, while political tensions persist over upcoming electoral contests.
The party’s messaging underscores its strategy of leveraging electoral successes, structural reforms, and grassroots mobilization to maintain dominance. With the 2027 elections approaching, the APC’s narrative of strength and unity remains central to its campaign, even as opposition dynamics continue to evolve.
The APC’s statements reflect a broader effort to shape public perception ahead of the 2027 polls. By dismissing opposition challenges and emphasizing its electoral record, the party aims to solidify its base while addressing internal and external critiques. As the political landscape shifts, the APC’s ability to sustain its momentum will depend on its capacity to adapt to emerging challenges and maintain voter trust.