Yilwatda Cautions APC Aspirants Over 2027 Primary Election Conduct

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has cautioned aspirants contesting for elective offices on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections against actions that could compromise the credibility of the party’s primary elections, warning that violators could face immediate suspension.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, following interactions with aspirants who recently underwent screening exercises conducted by various APC committees.

The APC is expected to commence its primary elections for different elective positions beginning with the House of Representatives on May 15, Senate primaries on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship contests on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.

However, exchanges among some aspirants in recent days have raised concerns over the possibility of a tense and potentially contentious primary process.

Reacting to the development, Yilwatda reaffirmed the party’s commitment to conducting peaceful, transparent, credible and democratic primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.

According to the statement, the APC national chairman warned that the leadership of the party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries, noting that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party.

“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached. I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism, and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy,” he said.

The APC chairman further urged aspirants to see themselves as representatives of the party, stressing that their conduct before, during and after the primaries would reflect the values, discipline and ideals of the APC.

Yilwatda also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible internal party processes.

He noted that Tinubu had continued to dedicate political goodwill, leadership capacity and energy towards building a united and progressive APC capable of driving sustainable national development.

The APC chairman therefore advised party stakeholders and aspirants to align with the President’s vision and refrain from statements or actions capable of creating division, escalating political tensions or undermining achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Renewed Hope administration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This is not the time for destructive politics or selfish interests that may put a dent in the remarkable progress that has been achieved,” he said.

Yilwatda maintained that despite inheriting serious economic and structural challenges, the Tinubu administration had initiated bold reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, economic stability and long-term prosperity.

He added that the administration remained focused on building a resilient economy capable of attaining its ambitious one-trillion-dollar economic target through infrastructure development, industrial growth, agricultural reforms, digital innovation and improvements in the energy sector.