By Dennis Okechukwu
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has declared that there is no vacancy in Nigeria’s presidency ahead of the 2027 general election, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking a fresh mandate to continue his administration’s ongoing reforms.
Yilwatda made the remarks after visiting the national headquarters of the City Boy Movement, where he interacted with members and exchanged views on issues concerning the growth and development of Nigeria.
The APC chairman said he was impressed by the facilities at the organisation’s headquarters and expressed optimism over the growing interest of young Nigerians in politics.
He said the increasing involvement of youths in political discussions was a positive development, noting that young Nigerians were becoming more interested in understanding political issues before making electoral choices.
“I am particularly encouraged that young Nigerians are asking questions and taking a deeper interest in politics,” Yilwatda said.
According to him, the APC-led administration has demonstrated its commitment to youth inclusion by appointing more young Nigerians to positions of responsibility than previous governments.
He urged young Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, arguing that the President has the vision and solutions required to address the country’s challenges.
Yilwatda, however, said support for the administration should not prevent citizens from demanding improvements in the implementation and impact of government reforms.
“I therefore urge them to believe in and work with us on the Renewed Hope project. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the vision and solutions required to address the challenges facing our country, and we must support the reforms while continually seeking ways to improve their impact on Nigerians,” he said.
On the 2027 presidential election, the APC national chairman said Tinubu would seek another term in office, expressing confidence in the President’s chances of securing victory.
He likened the emerging political contest to the FIFA World Cup, where several teams participate but some are eliminated at the group stage.
“Participation does not automatically mean an equal chance of winning,” Yilwatda said, adding that the 2027 presidential contest was increasingly taking that shape.
He maintained that Tinubu’s bid for a fresh mandate was aimed at consolidating the programmes and reforms initiated by his administration.
The APC chairman’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with several political parties and opposition figures positioning themselves for the contest.