The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the party’s ongoing primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections as the most competitive the country has ever witnessed.
Speaking after a meeting with Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Yilwatda said the large number of aspirants contesting for limited positions reflects the party’s growing influence nationwide.
He explained that thousands of individuals vying for offices across the country demonstrate the APC’s widespread acceptance and deep reach within Nigerian communities. According to him, many political hopefuls now see the party as their preferred platform.
Yilwatda also praised the conduct of the primaries, noting that the process has been largely peaceful, organised, and marked by fewer disputes compared to previous elections. He highlighted that President Tinubu was particularly impressed by the logistics involved and the relatively low level of violence recorded so far.
The chairman stated that the party adopted direct primaries in most cases, especially where consensus among aspirants could not be reached. He added that clear guidelines were followed, including requiring written consent from aspirants who agreed to step down under consensus arrangements.
While acknowledging that some disagreements are inevitable, Yilwatda said the party has set up internal committees to handle complaints and resolve conflicts after the primaries. He emphasised that losing a primary election should not end political ambitions, noting that reconciliation efforts are already in place.
The APC primaries, which began in mid-May 2026, are being conducted in phases to select candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the process has not been without controversy, as some aspirants have raised concerns over transparency and the release of final candidate lists in certain areas.
Despite these issues, party leadership maintains that the exercise has been largely successful and remains focused on preparing for the upcoming national elections.
