The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party’s growing influence across the country is anchored on grassroots acceptance, inclusive governance and economic reforms, rather than the much-publicised defection of governors.
Yilwatda stated this during an interview on Trust Television (Daily Trust TV), where he spoke on political developments, economic reforms, party discipline, security collaboration and preparations for forthcoming elections.
He said the APC remains focused on national development and democratic consolidation, stressing that the party does not take Nigerians for granted.
“We are riding on a highway. We don’t take anyone for granted, and we pay attention to every detail,” he said.
The APC chairman noted that while attention is often placed on elite political movements, ordinary Nigerians — including youths, farmers, women, professionals and artisans — are increasingly aligning with the party due to the impact of government policies.
According to him, recent bye-elections have shown the party’s growing strength even in states not controlled by APC governors, adding that Kano State is gradually tilting towards the party due to rising public enthusiasm.
Yilwatda highlighted economic improvements under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying governors are now better positioned to deliver development as a result of improved fiscal policies.
“Before now, workers went on strike and pensioners barricaded governors from their offices. Today, that era is gone,” he said.
He disclosed that trillions of naira are now shared monthly from the Federation Account, increasing state revenues significantly and reducing dependence on borrowing.
On inflation, Yilwatda said the rate is on a downward trend, adding that World Bank projections indicate Nigeria as the only African country expected to contribute to global GDP growth this year.
He also said the APC-led government remains responsive to public concerns, noting that interventions were made to address rising food prices and challenges in the aviation sector.
The party chairman listed key social interventions to include the Student Loan Scheme, which he described as empowering children of the poor and ordinary Nigerians, as well as financial support to over seven million vulnerable households, most of whom reside in rural areas.
“These households are praying for this government,” he said.
Dismissing claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, Yilwatda described such allegations as unfounded.
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“Our legal framework does not support a one-party state, and APC will never promote that,” he said, adding that the party’s success is driven by mobilisation and engagement, not suppression of opposition.
On Osun State, he revealed that the APC has nine governorship aspirants who have agreed to work towards producing a consensus candidate ahead of the August election.
He also described the political climate in Kano as “electric,” attributing it to the growing popularity of APC leadership in the state.
Yilwatda reaffirmed that the APC is a disciplined party that welcomes all Nigerians who believe in its vision, whether or not they are card-carrying members.
He commended President Tinubu for his role in the formation of the APC and his decision to support former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, describing it as an act of selflessness.
He also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his loyalty to the president.
On security cooperation with the United States, Yilwatda dismissed criticisms, saying intelligence collaboration is a global best practice.
“No country operates in isolation. Even the United States relies on multi-layered intelligence cooperation,” he said.
The APC chairman assured Nigerians that the party’s leadership is not complacent.
“We do not underestimate anyone. Our focus remains service, inclusion and progress,” he added.
