The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the growing strength of the ruling party nationwide is being driven by grassroots acceptance, inclusive governance and tangible economic reforms, rather than the much-publicised defection of governors.
Yilwatda stated this during an interview on Trust Television, where he spoke on political realignments, economic reforms, party discipline, security collaboration and preparations for upcoming elections.
According to him, the APC’s expanding influence reflects increasing public confidence in governance outcomes under the current administration.
He argued that while attention often focuses on elite political movements, ordinary Nigerians, youths, farmers, women, professionals and artisans, were increasingly aligning with the party because of the impact of government policies.
He cited recent bye-elections in which the APC recorded strong performances even in states governed by opposition parties, adding that Kano State is witnessing rising enthusiasm for the party at the grassroots.
On the economy, the APC chairman said reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have strengthened state finances, enabling governors to meet obligations and reduce reliance on borrowing. He noted that increased monthly allocations from the Federation Account have eased labour tensions and improved fiscal stability across states.
Yilwatda also said inflation was easing and referenced international projections indicating Nigeria’s positive contribution to global GDP growth this year. He highlighted government responses to public concerns, including interventions on food prices and airline operations, as evidence of responsive governance.
He listed key social programmes, including the student loan scheme and financial support for more than seven million vulnerable households, most of whom are in rural communities, describing them as critical tools for inclusion and poverty reduction.
Dismissing claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, Yilwatda said the country’s legal framework does not support such a system, stressing that the APC’s success is rooted in mobilisation, engagement and organisation rather than suppression of opposition.
On upcoming elections, he disclosed that the APC has nine governorship aspirants in Osun State who have agreed to work towards a consensus candidate, while describing the political atmosphere in Kano as increasingly favourable to the party.
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to discipline and inclusivity, praised President Tinubu’s political sacrifice in 2015, and commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his loyalty and support.
Addressing security cooperation with the United States, Yilwatda said intelligence collaboration was standard global practice keeping Nigeria aligned with international best practices.
He assured Nigerians that the party’s leadership remains focused on service, inclusion and progress, insisting that the APC would not take public support for granted.
