By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the ruling party remains the only credible political platform with the structure, capacity and national spread to deliver stability, progress and long-term development in Nigeria.
Yilwatda made the assertion in Abuja while addressing key national issues, stressing that the country cannot afford to entrust its future to what he described as “unstable and politically disoriented alternatives.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the party had, over time, demonstrated institutional maturity, discipline and administrative competence required to manage a complex federation like Nigeria.
“The APC is not an ad hoc coalition held together by convenience. It is a tested and enduring political platform built on structure, experience and the capacity to respond to the real needs of Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that the party was not merely preparing for future elections but was actively working to deepen governance, strengthen democratic culture and rebuild public trust.
Yilwatda emphasised that governance requires courage and difficult decisions, adding that the APC remains committed to supporting reforms aimed at ensuring long-term economic stability and national prosperity.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undertaking a comprehensive recalibration of the country’s economic and governance systems, including efforts to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and expand infrastructure development.
While acknowledging that ongoing reforms may pose short-term challenges, he maintained that they are necessary to reposition the country for sustainable growth.
“Meaningful reform comes with temporary discomfort, but the long-term gains will deliver a stronger and more resilient Nigeria,” he added.
The APC chairman also took a swipe at opposition parties, citing internal crises, factional disputes and leadership struggles as evidence of their unpreparedness for governance.
According to him, political platforms that are unable to manage internal conflicts or enforce discipline cannot be trusted with the responsibility of governing the country.
“A party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria,” he said, warning against handing over national leadership to groups plagued by instability and internal divisions.
Despite his criticism, Yilwatda stated that the APC supports credible democratic competition and prefers to win elections through popular mandate rather than legal technicalities.
“Victory is sweeter when it is earned and freely given by the people,” he said, adding that the party derives legitimacy from performance, organisation and voter trust.
On national security, the APC chairman described the ongoing trial of over 500 terrorism-related suspects as a significant step towards strengthening the rule of law and ensuring accountability.
He said the development reflects a shift from mere arrests to credible prosecution, which is essential for restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“What we are seeing is movement beyond arrests towards institutional accountability. It shows that the administration is tackling insecurity not only on the battlefield but also through the judicial process,” he said.
Turning to party affairs in Osun State, Yilwatda commended the APC structure in the state but warned that electoral success would depend on discipline, coordination and strategic planning.
He called for a unified command structure, clear role definition and effective conflict resolution mechanisms within the party’s campaign framework to avoid internal disruptions.
“Every successful political operation requires clarity in leadership, discipline in execution and unity of purpose,” he said.
Describing Osun as a strategic battleground, the APC chairman said the state holds significant importance for the party’s future in the South-West and serves as a critical test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers to prioritise collective success over personal ambition, stressing that unity and discipline would determine the party’s electoral fortunes.
Yilwatda reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to national development, stating that the party remains focused on promoting security, economic recovery, institutional stability and democratic governance.
“Nigeria needs steadiness, structure, courage and capacity. The APC represents that responsibility. We are prepared, tested and committed to doing the hard work required to move this country forward,” he said.
