The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the APC remains the only truly national, deeply structured, ideologically resilient and electorally durable political platform capable of delivering on the present aspirations and future expectations of Nigerians.
Professor Yilwatda made this known in Abuja while speaking on key issues affecting the social, political and economic management of the country, insisting that in a period of national transition and democratic consolidation, Nigeria cannot afford to gamble its future on confusion, instability, or politically disoriented alternatives.
Mr Abimbola Tooki, his special adviser, media and communications strategy quoted the National Chairman as saying the APC has over time demonstrated the institutional maturity, national spread, political discipline, and administrative capacity required to manage the complex demands of a nation as large, diverse and strategically important as Nigeria.
He said the party is not merely preparing for the next election cycle, but is actively working to deepen governance, strengthen democratic culture, improve public trust, and build a stronger foundation for national development.
Professor Yilwatda maintained that while governance naturally comes with pressures, contestation and difficult decisions, the APC remains committed to supporting policies and reforms that will place Nigeria on the path of long-term stability, productivity and prosperity.
He noted that the task before the current administration is not a cosmetic one, but a serious nation-building responsibility that requires courage, patience, sacrifice and political steadiness. He added that the APC, as the governing party, fully understands the weight of this historic obligation and will continue to provide the political backbone required to sustain reforms and deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians.
Commenting on the internal crises currently ravaging some opposition parties, Professor Yilwatda said the situation is a clear and disturbing reflection of their lack of preparedness for national leadership.
According to him, the persistent implosions, factional wars, legal battles, ego clashes and ideological emptiness that define many opposition parties today are not just political setbacks, but warning signs of deeper structural weakness and managerial incompetence.
“A party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria. If a political platform is constantly trapped in self-inflicted crisis, consumed by internal sabotage, and weakened by poor management, it simply has no business asking Nigerians for the mandate to lead this country,” he said.
Professor Yilwatda further stated that a repositioned and confident APC is not afraid of political competition and does not seek victory through the technical disqualification of opponents.
According to him, while political parties must comply with the law and electoral regulations, the APC’s preference is always to defeat its opponents at the ballot box and not in backroom arrangements, procedural traps or legal technicalities.
“Victory is sweeter when it is earned. It is more legitimate when it is freely given by the people. As a party, we believe that the strongest mandate is one secured through persuasion, performance, organization and political engagement,” he said.
Speaking on the current security situation in the country, Professor Yilwatda described the Federal Government’s fresh phase in the mass trial of over 500 terrorism-related suspects as a major demonstration of state seriousness, institutional resolve and respect for the rule of law.
He said the development marks an important shift in the national security architecture, from merely announcing arrests to ensuring judicial accountability and lawful consequences for acts of terror and violent criminality.
According to him, this is not just a security story; it is also a governance story, a rule-of-law story, and a public trust story.
The APC National Chairman therefore described the ongoing legal process as evidence of serious state action against terrorism, and called on Nigerians to continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace, public confidence and national stability.
Turning to party affairs in Osun State, Professor Yilwatda commended the APC chapter for what he described as its visible readiness, growing organizational capacity and renewed seriousness ahead of future political engagements.
He said the signs from Osun are encouraging, but quickly warned that electoral success would require more than enthusiasm, ceremonial mobilization or symbolic activity.
Professor Yilwatda also called for the establishment of a robust conflict resolution mechanism within the Osun campaign structure to proactively address grievances, misunderstandings and post-appointment tensions before they degenerate into factional bitterness or sabotage.
“Osun is not just another state election. It is a test of strength, a battle of perception, a measure of organizational discipline, and an important rehearsal ground for 2027. We must approach it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
The National Chairman charged party leaders, stakeholders, mobilizers, youth groups, women’s wings, elected officials and grassroots coordinators in Osun to close ranks and work with a single purpose.
“Nigeria needs steadiness, structure, courage and capacity. The APC represents that responsibility. We are not perfect, but we are prepared, we are tested, and we are committed to doing the hard work required to move this country forward,” he said.
