Abuja: The All Progressives Congress (APC) is unfazed by Mr Peter Obi’s switch from African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), according to National Chairman Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, who insists the defection leaves the ruling party unaffected.
Yilwatda spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing purchase and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 elections. He recalled that Mr Peter Obi had been the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 polls.
The APC chairman urged opposition parties to resolve their internal disputes, stressing that their crises have no bearing on the ruling party.
He described the resignation of about 18 National Assembly members from ADC to NDC as insignificant and incapable of threatening the ruling party.
“Defections among opposition parties do not affect APC. Let them resolve their problems; APC remains solid and is moving forward with strong numbers,” Yilwatda said.
“Let them sort out their problems. APC remains solid, and we are moving forward with strong numbers.
He noted, “When people join APC, it’s claimed we paid them. When opposition parties exchange members, it goes unnoticed. None of the defectors are from our party—they are fishing from the same pond.”
“None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” the APC national chairman stated.
Speaking on the ongoing sale of nomination forms, Yilwatda said the large turnout reflected Nigerians’ growing support for the APC.
“Nigerians are happy with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party across all geopolitical zones.
“We are encouraged by the large number of people coming out to purchase our forms,” he added.
Yilwatda said the party was well organised and adequately prepared for the 2027 general elections.
“This can only happen in APC, and we are pleased to witness it under our administration,” he said.
The APC chairman ruled out extending the deadline for purchasing and submitting forms, citing constraints imposed by the Electoral Act.
“We would have loved to extend the time, but we are time-bound.
“The Electoral Act limits the timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results. We also want to avoid unnecessary complications,” Yilwatda said.
He added that measures would be introduced during aspirants’ screening to reduce overcrowding and ensure a smooth exercise.
Yilwatda noted that while large crowds demonstrated mobilisation and dominance, access during the screening process would still be controlled.
He said the strong turnout at the venue underlined APC’s national appeal.
