2027: APC Out Of The Picture As ADC And NDC Emerge Main Contenders — Yilwatda, Uzodimma

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, have dismissed concerns over the strength of emerging opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that the ruling party remains firmly in control of Nigeria’s political landscape.

Their remarks followed the decision by the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja after the screening of governorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary election, Yilwatda said neither the African Democratic Congress nor the NDC possesses the political structure or grassroots support needed to challenge the APC in the next presidential contest.

He argued that recent political developments have shown that the opposition is more preoccupied with internal rivalry than with confronting the ruling party. According to him, the real contest is between the ADC and NDC, not between the opposition and the APC.

Yilwatda noted that the APC currently controls 31 states, has more than 400 legislators across the country, and oversees over 600 local government chairmen. He contrasted this with the 17 lawmakers who recently defected to the NDC, describing the figure as insignificant in comparison to the APC’s expansive political machinery.

He further stated that neither the ADC nor the NDC has recorded notable victories in recent by-elections, adding that the Peoples Democratic Party remains the APC’s most formidable opponent, although he said the PDP has also struggled to make significant electoral gains.

Yilwatda expressed confidence that the APC is fully prepared for the 2027 elections and capable of defeating any opposition coalition.

Governor Uzodimma echoed the same sentiment, asserting that opposition parties do not pose any serious threat to the re-election prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the APC’s dominance across 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states is a clear indication of widespread national support for the president and the ruling party. Uzodimma maintained that the current political alignment demonstrates that Nigerians have already shown where their support lies ahead of the next general election.

The Imo State governor also questioned the organisational capacity of parties such as the NDC, suggesting that their limited presence and structure make them unlikely contenders in the race for the presidency.