APC Plans to Turn Membership Strength into Votes in 2027, Says Yilwatda to Defectors

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has told party members that they will turn their large membership into votes in the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda shared this on Thursday in Abuja. He was meeting with the House of Representatives Aspirants Forum for Tinubu/Shettima 2027. He said the APC has over 261,000 executive committee members across the country. The party also has more governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and councillors than any other party.

He mentioned that the APC is focused on inclusiveness. The party wants to give opportunities to members, no matter their age, gender, education, religion, tribe, or disability.

He stated, “You know, this party is a party that has harnessed people from all groups. We build an inclusive environment where everybody feels they belong. Whether you’re young or old, there’s a space for you. Whether you’re a woman or a man, or even a person with a disability, we have a space for you. Whether educated or illiterate, we also have a space for you.

“Regardless of your religion or your tribe, we have a space for you. Our party thrives on inclusion, and that’s what we’ve been trying to build and preach.

“So there are spaces for people, but there are time constraints, too. Everybody plays his role, and destiny has space for everybody, and destiny has time for everybody. So, I am somebody who believes in destiny. But even if there’s destiny, you must work for that destiny, and this is where what you’re doing is right.”

The APC chairman praised President Bola Tinubu as the best presidential candidate among all parties. He encouraged members to support Tinubu in his bid for a second term.

“The APC has space for everybody. At the same time, I want to thank those who believe in this party and moved from the opposition. No political party, as it stands today, has a more credible candidate than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Yilwatda also spoke about the government’s infrastructure projects. He mentioned the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and rail connections, saying these will boost Nigeria’s economy in West and Central Africa.

“For those of us from the North, we keep bragging that no president has given more thought to bringing power to the North than Mr President. The APC government is building critical infrastructure, and anybody who has travelled around any country in the world, particularly any developed country, knows that if the country is by the ocean, it has what we call a coastal road,” he said.

He added that the government is extending the coastal road to benefit the maritime economy. They are also developing rail links and inland port facilities to improve regional trade.

The APC chairman defended the Federal Government’s student loan scheme. He said the monthly allowance of ₦20,000 helps students from poor backgrounds.

He shared the story of a beneficiary who used part of her allowance to buy a second-hand refrigerator and start an iced-fish business. He argued that the scheme can help students become financially independent.

Yilwatda insisted that the APC has what it takes to win the 2027 elections. He urged aspirants to work with the party at the grassroots level.

“So let me thank you and assure you that we have reason to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. We have facts and records. If we compare them with those of any other candidate on the ballot, none matches our candidate. None. I mean, none. None.

“In terms of organisational structure, our party is the most organised. In terms of numbers, we have the highest number of executive committee members compared with any political party. Our party has over 261,000 executive committee members. That’s just the party’s executive committee members, not to mention.