APC Growth Driven by Grassroots Support, Not Governors’ Defections — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party’s growing strength across the country is being driven by grassroots acceptance, inclusive governance and economic reforms, rather than the defection of governors.

Yilwatda made this known during an interview on Trust Television on Sunday, where he spoke on political developments, economic reforms, party discipline, security cooperation and the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction said the APC remains focused on national development and democratic consolidation.

“We are riding on a high wave. We don’t take anyone for granted, and we pay attention to every detail,” he said.

According to him, the party’s momentum is coming from ordinary Nigerians, including youths, farmers, women, professionals and artisans, who he said are beginning to see the impact of the current administration.

“What is happening across the country goes far beyond governors. People are seeing value and the difference this administration is making,” he added.

He cited recent bye-elections where the APC performed strongly, even in states not controlled by the party, noting that Kano is also gradually tilting towards the APC due to growing public enthusiasm.

Yilwatda said economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu have strengthened state finances, increased allocations from the federation account and reduced states’ dependence on borrowing.

“Before now, workers went on strike, pensioners barricaded governors from their offices. Today, that era is gone,” he said.

He also claimed inflation is gradually declining and referenced World Bank projections on Nigeria’s economic outlook, noting that the country is expected to contribute significantly to global GDP growth this year.

The APC chairman said the government has responded to public concerns over food prices and airline challenges with decisive actions, while also introducing social safety programmes such as the student loan scheme.

According to him, financial support is being provided to over seven million vulnerable households nationwide, with 75 per cent of beneficiaries in rural areas and 25 per cent in urban communities.

“These households are praying for this government,” he said.

Yilwatda dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting the country’s legal framework does not support such a system.

“Our legal framework does not support a one-party state, and APC will never promote that,” he stated.

He said the party’s electoral successes are the result of mobilisation and engagement, not suppression of opposition.

“It is not our duty to feed our opponents. We are everywhere, mobilising, engaging, and organising,” he said.

On Osun, Yilwatda said nine governorship aspirants in the party have agreed to rally behind a consensus candidate ahead of the August election.

He described the political atmosphere in Kano as “electric,” attributing it to the rising popularity of the APC leadership.

Yilwatda also praised President Tinubu for supporting former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 bid despite having the political structure to contest, and commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his loyalty.

He further dismissed criticism of Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States, describing intelligence collaboration as a global best practice.

“We do not underestimate anyone. That is why we work every day. Our focus is service, inclusion, and progress,” he said.