morganable politics/elections
Yilwatda maintained that the APC would seek Nigerians’ support for Tinubu’s re-election because the administration’s economic reforms and development priorities required continuity to produce further results
KaNo —
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged members of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the challenges facing Nigerians while presenting the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
Yilwatda made the call on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu/APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stressed the need for an honest assessment of the government’s performance.
The APC chairman said the ruling party must recognise areas where the administration had fallen short while explaining its policies, achievements and plans to address the difficulties confronting citizens.
“We have made so much progress but must acknowledge where we have challenges while explaining the objectives, progress and continuing work of the administration,” he said.
According to him, the party’s campaign must be built on transparency, accountability and a realistic assessment of the government’s record rather than relying solely on political promises.
He explained that the campaign would rest on “a clear record, an honest assessment of the challenges and a credible vision for the future”.
Yilwatda maintained that the APC would seek Nigerians’ support for Tinubu’s re-election because the administration’s economic reforms and development priorities required continuity to produce further results.
He said the campaign council had a responsibility to communicate the government’s achievements convincingly, provide evidence of progress and explain what remained to be accomplished.
The chairman identified the rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and economic opportunities as major concerns that must receive attention during the campaign.
He urged council members to engage Nigerians directly on these issues rather than dismissing their concerns, stressing that the party must demonstrate how government policies could improve living conditions.
Yilwatda also called on campaign officials to listen to citizens and incorporate their expectations into the party’s political engagement.
He argued that Tinubu’s administration had introduced significant economic reforms aimed at addressing longstanding structural problems and establishing a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.
The APC chairman said the government’s investments in roads, electricity, gas infrastructure, railways, ports, agriculture and digital connectivity should form an important part of the party’s campaign message.
According to him, such investments are necessary to stimulate economic productivity, expand commercial activities, create employment opportunities and promote national development.
“Our responsibility is to explain clearly what has been completed, what is progressing and what remains to be done.
“We must show Nigerians how these investments and reforms can translate into practical improvements in their daily lives,” he stated.
Yilwatda further acknowledged the role of opposition political parties in Nigeria’s democratic system, insisting that the forthcoming presidential election should focus on policies, ideas and the performance records of candidates.
He urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the democratic rights of Nigerians.
“The APC will present its case with confidence, defend its record with facts and trust Nigerians to make their choice through a credible democratic process,” he said.
Speaking on the party’s organisational strength, Yilwatda declared that no political party in Nigeria could match the APC’s nationwide structure, citing its extensive membership network and support from state governors.
He disclosed that the ruling party had more than 261,000 executive members across its various structures and enjoyed the backing of 31 governors, alongside two governors from other political parties.
“No political party has our structure; we have over 261,000 party exco members and 31 governors, with two other governors supporting from different parties,” he said.
The chairman described the attendance at the inauguration as evidence of widespread political support for Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima ahead of their second-term ambition.
“Your presence here makes our shared commitment as a party clear; we want a better country, supporting Mr President and Vice President to return for a second term.
“The atmosphere shows all kinds of victory even before the election,” he added.
Yilwatda also praised the administration’s infrastructural development efforts, maintaining that several government projects had produced visible results.
“President Bola Tinubu has made tremendous progress over the last few years in projects that can be visibly seen, felt and touched,” he said.
Despite expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, the chairman warned members against complacency, emphasising that political success would require extensive preparation, coordination and public engagement.
He urged governors, lawmakers, party officials and campaign coordinators to work collectively to strengthen the APC’s mobilisation efforts across the country.
According to him, the campaign council must establish clear responsibilities and maintain effective coordination between the national leadership, state chapters, local government structures and ward executives.
Yilwatda also emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation, calling for meaningful leadership opportunities for women and greater engagement with young Nigerians.
He said young people should be treated as partners in national development rather than being approached merely as instruments of electoral mobilisation.
The chairman equally urged the council to ensure that campaign activities accommodated persons with disabilities and promoted their participation in democratic processes.
“No Nigerian should be made to feel that a disability diminishes their place in our democracy,” he declared.
He assured council members that the APC National Working Committee would provide the necessary cooperation and support to ensure effective implementation of the campaign strategy.
“Confidence is not complacency. It is the determination to prepare thoroughly, work together and earn the trust of the people,” he said.
The APC had announced the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council on August 22, naming Tinubu as chairman and Shettima as vice chairman.
Former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, emerged as Secretary. Yilwatda serves as an additional vice chairman.
Yari had earlier announced that the party would officially flag off its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24, before proceeding to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Maiduguri, Borno State.
Dignitaries at Wednesday’s inauguration included Tinubu, Shettima, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Others included the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; APC governors and other prominent party leaders.
The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, with the ruling party seeking another mandate for Tinubu amid continuing public concerns over economic conditions, security and the impact of government reforms.
