By Dennis Okechukwu
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party’s expanding influence across Nigeria is being driven by grassroots support, economic reforms, and inclusive governance rather than the much-publicised defection of governors.
Yilwatda made the assertion during an interview on Trust Television (Daily Trust TV), where he addressed national political developments, economic policies, party organisation, security collaboration, and preparations for upcoming elections.
According to him, the APC’s growth is anchored on performance and public trust, stressing that the party remains focused on consolidating democracy and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“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 argued that media attention on governors’ defections often overlooks what he described as a broader and more significant movement of ordinary Nigerians toward the party.
He said youths, farmers, women, professionals, and artisans are increasingly identifying with the APC because of policies they believe are improving their daily lives.
“What is happening across the country goes far beyond governors. People are seeing value and the difference this administration is making,” Yilwatda said.
He cited recent bye-elections in which the APC recorded strong performances even in states not controlled by the party, adding that Kano State is witnessing growing enthusiasm for the APC at the grassroots level.
Highlighting economic reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yilwatda said improved fiscal policies have significantly enhanced the capacity of state governments to meet their obligations.
He noted that monthly allocations from the Federation Account have risen sharply, in some cases by more than five times, reducing states’ dependence on borrowing.
“Before now, workers went on strike and pensioners barricaded governors from entering their offices. Today, that era is gone,” he said.
On inflation, Yilwatda stated that the trend is easing, adding that World Bank projections indicate Nigeria is the only African country expected to contribute to global GDP growth this year.
The APC chairman said the federal government has remained responsive to public concerns, citing interventions in food pricing and aviation challenges.
He highlighted the Student Loan Scheme as a major empowerment tool for children from low-income backgrounds, market women, and ordinary Nigerians. He also disclosed that over seven million vulnerable households are receiving financial support, with the majority of beneficiaries located in rural areas.
“These households are praying for this government,” he said.
Responding to concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, Yilwatda dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting that both the constitution and the APC’s ideology reject such a notion.
“Our legal framework does not support a one-party state, and APC will never promote that,” he said.
He attributed the party’s electoral successes to consistent mobilisation, engagement, and internal organisation rather than the suppression of opposition parties.
“It is not our duty to feed our opponents. We are everywhere, mobilising, engaging, and organising,” he added.
On preparations for the Osun governorship election, Yilwatda revealed that the APC has nine aspirants who have agreed to rally behind a consensus candidate ahead of the August poll.
“They have all pledged to work together to win,” he said.
He also described the political atmosphere in Kano as “electric,” pointing to increasing public support for the APC in the state.
Reiterating the party’s internal culture, Yilwatda said the APC remains disciplined and inclusive, welcoming supporters who share its vision, whether or not they are formal party members.
Yilwatda praised President Tinubu for what he described as selfless leadership in 2015, when he supported Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential bid despite having the political structure to contest himself. He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his loyalty and support.
Addressing criticisms of Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States, the APC chairman said intelligence collaboration is a global best practice.
“No country operates an isolated security architecture,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the APC leadership remains focused and vigilant.
“We do not underestimate anyone. Our focus is service, inclusion, and progress,” Yilwatda said.