Defections By Lawmakers Won’t Affect Our Win, Says Yilwatda

According to Ireporter Online, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns over the defection of some federal lawmakers to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that the development poses no threat to the ruling party’s electoral strength.

Yilwatda stated that the APC remains the most stable and widely accepted political platform in the country, adding that both the NDC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are merely “competing within the same political space” without affecting the ruling party’s dominance. He made this known at the APC National Secretariat while monitoring the sale and submission of nomination forms by aspirants seeking various elective positions.

He described the party as an “unstoppable beehive of activities,” noting that the large turnout of aspirants across the country reflects strong grassroots support for the APC. He further argued that the defection of three senators and 17 members of the House of Representatives to the NDC was politically insignificant when viewed against the total number of federal lawmakers.

According to him, “Seventeen out of over 400 lawmakers is less than five per cent. That cannot be considered a threat. None of those who left are from our party; they are only moving within opposition circles. How does that affect APC?”

The APC chairman also downplayed internal disagreements within opposition parties, claiming that their ongoing disputes and public disagreements show disorganisation ahead of future elections. He maintained that the ruling party remains focused and united, while opposition groups are preoccupied with internal conflicts.

Yilwatda further highlighted that the strong interest in APC nomination forms across all geopolitical zones was evidence of public confidence in the party. He stressed that the APC has opened its democratic space to all aspirants, including those challenging sitting governors, lawmakers, and even top national officeholders.

He also confirmed that the party would not extend the sale of nomination forms, citing compliance with electoral timelines as required by law.

Meanwhile, the APC National Working Committee has approved a screening waiver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the party’s primaries. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the decision was based on the President’s status as incumbent leader and his previous screening during the 2022 presidential primaries.

The waiver, approved under the APC Constitution, was also justified by what the party described as overwhelming endorsements from key stakeholders, including governors and the party’s legislative caucus, effectively reinforcing Tinubu’s position as frontrunner for the party’s presidential ticket.

In a separate reaction, ADC National Chairman David Mark dismissed the impact of defections, insisting the party remains focused on building a strong electoral structure capable of competing effectively. He maintained that recent exits of prominent figures would only strengthen the party’s determination.

Mark said, “We must remain united and focused. Our opponents may celebrate defections, but we are building a stronger platform that will stand the test of time.”

He also commented on internal realignments within the opposition, including recent defections of political figures, stressing that such movements would not weaken the party’s long-term ambitions.

Meanwhile, activist Aisha Yesufu announced her resignation from the ADC and her move to the NDC, stating that her decision was based on alignment with her political convictions and support for a preferred presidential direction. She also confirmed plans to contest for a senatorial seat under her new platform.