By Nkechi Eze
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants contesting on the platform of the party ahead of the 2027 general election to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold party discipline during the forthcoming primaries.
In an official signed statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Professor Yilwatda urged aspirants who recently participated in screening exercises organised by various party committees to embrace maturity, sportsmanship, and democratic principles throughout the electoral process.
The APC National Chairman stressed that the party remains committed to transparent, peaceful, credible, and democratic primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.
He warned that the party leadership would not tolerate any conduct capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries, noting that aspirants or supporters involved in violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or actions aimed at compromising the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary sanctions, including suspension from the party.
Professor Yilwatda stated that the APC had built a reputation as one of the country’s most organised political parties and would not allow individual ambitions to supersede the collective interest of the party and national stability.
According to him, democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, adding that healthy competition and acceptance of outcomes remain critical to sustaining democracy.
“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached. I urge all aspirants to display maturity, patriotism, and good sportsmanship by embracing the outcome of the primaries in the overall interest of the party and our democracy,” he stated.
The APC National Chairman further urged aspirants to see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct before, during, and after the primaries would reflect the values and vision of the APC.
Professor Yilwatda also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained efforts towards strengthening democratic institutions and consolidating internal party processes.
He noted that the President had continued to deploy political goodwill and leadership capacity towards building a stronger and more united APC capable of delivering sustainable development to Nigerians.
The APC chairman advised party members and stakeholders to align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid actions capable of creating division or overheating the polity.
“The Renewed Hope administration is laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. This is not the time for destructive politics or selfish interests that may put a dent on the remarkable progress that has been achieved,” he added.
Professor Yilwatda maintained that despite inheriting significant economic and structural challenges, the Tinubu administration had embarked on reforms aimed at achieving long-term economic growth and stability, including the pursuit of a $1 trillion economy through infrastructure development, industrial expansion, agricultural transformation, digital innovation, and energy reforms.
He highlighted ongoing investments in road and rail infrastructure, rehabilitation of federal highways, expansion of transportation networks, revitalisation of ports, and improvements in the energy sector as evidence of the administration’s commitment to economic development.
The APC chairman also cited interventions in agriculture, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, youth empowerment initiatives, and reforms in the solid minerals, oil and gas, education, healthcare, and technology sectors as part of the administration’s broader economic agenda.
According to him, ongoing infrastructure projects across the country would stimulate commerce, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
Professor Yilwatda called on party faithful and stakeholders to remain united and committed to ensuring the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027, insisting that the achievements recorded so far provide a strong basis for continuity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC leadership to fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and internal cohesion, assuring Nigerians that the party would continue to provide leadership focused on development, stability, and national progress.
