Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has affirmed that there is no threat posed by opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the opposition as ‘ mere cut and join parties’ who only exist on social media.
Speaking to journalists at the end of a three-day retreat in Maiduguri, Yilwatda said parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and others pose no serious threat to the ruling party because the opposition is only participating, not contesting.
The event brought together members of the National Working Committee (NWC), elected members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), and state chairmen of the ruling party.
According to the APC chairman, the party’s electoral prospects remain formidable, citing recent outcomes from five by-elections held nationwide.
He taunted, ‘I think when we are talking about elections and those who are ready, we should not talk about this ‘cut and join’ opposition that can’t win a councilorship in the election.
He further said the ruling party secured victory in four of the contests, losing only one to the APM-not to the major opposition parties often touted in the media.
‘I believe they only exist on social media, not visible in major contests. We went to Ekiti and came first; the party that came second was the PDP, not the so-called opposition (ADC and NDC). We went to Osu and came second; none of those political parties you claimed won even a council seat
‘So if they can’t even win a councillorship, are we contesting against them? They are participants in this election, not contesting with us. We are very confident that our party can win this election; we are prepared to win the 2027 election.’
Yilwatda highlighted further electoral data from polls in Osun and legislative contests in the North and South-East, including Enugu, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe, where the APC recorded strong showings.
He argued that media narratives regarding opposition momentum do not align with realities on the ground.
‘Even last week, we had a by-election in Adamawa, in Ganye local government, where Atiku comes from, and we won the election. We are very grounded, and I doubt if any party can challenge us because people know better now,’ He argued.
Retreat Resolutions and Votes of Confidence
Detailing the resolutions reached during the three-day retreat, Yilwatda announced that the party leadership observed a moment of mourning, extending condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the tragic loss of 37 miners.
He also noted that the NWC conducted a comprehensive review of the party’s structures from the national level down to the polling units, giving the APC a ‘clean bill of health’ as a strong, healthy, and well-oiled machine heading into 2027.
Crucially, the gathering passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and all party candidates emerging from primary elections.
‘We strongly believe that we produce some of the most credible candidates, most acceptable, and most prepared to serve the people of Nigeria,’ He stressed.
The party also resolved to intensify grassroots reconciliation efforts, urging state chapters to establish committees to consolidate unity and preserve past electoral gains.
The NWC pledged to lead campaigns from the front, highlighting the administration’s achievements.
Pointing to recent electoral breakthroughs in areas traditionally considered opposition strongholds-such as winning senatorial seats in states where the party previously struggled-Yilwatda expressed optimism about the APC’s widening national appeal.
The APC Chairman expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support over the past three years. He called on citizens and party faithful to turn out en masse to re-elect President Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.