The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has said that the real story of the party’s growing strength across the country lies not just in defection of governors but in the mass movement of ordinary Nigerians including the youths, farmers, women, professionals, and artisans, who are daily aligning with the APC because of the impact of government policies.
In an interview with Trust Television (Daily Trust TV), Yilwatda explained that other factors included the party’s grassroots acceptance, inclusive governance, and visible economic reforms.
Addressing key political developments, economic reforms, party discipline, security collaboration, and preparations for forthcoming elections, the APC National Chairman said that the party remains firmly focused on national development and consolidation of democracy.
He said: ‘We are riding on a highway. We don’t take anyone for granted, and we pay attention to every detail.
‘What is happening across the country goes far beyond governors. People are seeing value and the difference this administration is making’.
He cited recent bye-elections in which the APC performed strongly even in states where governors were not aligned with the party, adding that Kano State is steadily tilting towards the APC due to the palpable enthusiasm among the people.
Yilwatda also described the political atmosphere in the state as ‘electric’, attributing it to the growing popularity of APC leadership in Kano.
He highlighted major economic gains under the Tinubu administration, noting that governors are now better positioned to deliver development due to improved fiscal policies.
‘Before now, workers went on strike, pensioners barricaded governors from their offices. Today, that era is gone’, he said.
He said that trillions of Naira are now shared monthly from the Federation Account, significantly increasing state revenues, by more than five times in some cases, thereby reducing the need for borrowing.
On inflation, Yilwatda said that inflation is on a downward trend, adding that World Bank statistics project Nigeria as the only African country expected to contribute to global GDP growth this year.
He emphasised that APC-led governance is rooted in responsiveness, adding that when Nigerians complained about rising food prices and airline challenges, the government took decisive steps to address them.
He also highlighted flagship social interventions, including the Student Loan Scheme, which he described as a powerful tool for empowering children of the poor, market women, and ordinary citizens.
According to him, there has been financial support to over seven million vulnerable households, with 75% of beneficiaries in rural areas and 25% in urban communities.
“These households are praying for this government’, he said.
The APC helmsman dismissed the concern that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, dismissing it as baseless.
‘Our legal framework does not support a one-party state, and APC will never promote that’, he assured.
Yilwatda added that the party’s success is due to hard work, constant mobilisation, and behind-the-scenes engagement, not suppression of opposition, adding; ‘It is not our duty to feed our opponents. We are everywhere, mobilising, engaging, and organising’.
On Osun State whose governorship election has been scheduled for 8 August, he recalled that the party had nine credible governorship aspirants, all of whom agreed to rally behind a consensus candidate.
‘They have all pledged to work together to win’, he said.
Reiterating APC’s core values, he said: ‘APC is a disciplined party. Supporters may not all be card-carrying members, but we embrace everyone who believes in our vision’.
Yilwatda praised President Bola Tinubu for his selflessness in 2015, noting that he had the structure to become the nation’s No. 1 citizen then but chose to support candidate Muhammadu Buhari for the greater good of the nation.
He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his unwavering support for the Presidentl
On security cooperation with the United States, the APC National Chairman said that no country operates an isolated security architecture.
‘Even the United States relies on multi-layered intelligence collaboration. This is a global best practice, and Nigeria is part of it’, he said.
Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC leadership is not complacent.
‘We do not underestimate anyone. That is why we work every day. No individual or group gives us sleepless nights, our focus is service, inclusion, and progress’, he said.
