2027: APC Not Worried About Peter Obi’s Move to NDC, Party Remains Strong — Yilwatda

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nantewe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns over Peter Obi’s defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that the move poses no threat to the ruling party.

Yilwatda spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing sale and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to recent developments within opposition parties, the APC chairman said the internal crises rocking opposition groups were their own affairs and had no bearing on the APC.

He also downplayed the reported defection of about 18 National Assembly members from the ADC to the NDC, describing the development as politically insignificant.

“If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, that does not affect APC,” he said.

“Let them sort out their problems. APC remains solid and we are moving forward with strong numbers.”

Yilwatda further argued that opposition politicians were simply moving within the same political circle, noting that none of the defectors came from the APC.

“You talked about NDC. When people join APC, they claim we paid them, but when they defect among themselves, nobody says anything. None of those defecting is from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” he stated.

Speaking on the ongoing purchase of nomination forms, the APC chairman said the large turnout reflected increasing public support for the ruling party across the country.

“Nigerians are happy with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party across all geopolitical zones,” he said.

“We are encouraged by the large number of people coming out to purchase our forms.”

According to him, the APC remains organised and well-positioned ahead of the 2027 elections.

“This can only happen in APC, and we are pleased to witness it under our administration,” he added.

Yilwatda also ruled out extending the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, citing timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act.

“We would have loved to extend the time, but we are time bound,” he said.

“The Electoral Act limits the timeframe for conducting primaries and submitting results. We also want to avoid unnecessary complications.”

He added that the party would introduce measures during the screening process to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth exercise for aspirants.

While acknowledging the large number of supporters present at the venue, Yilwatda described the turnout as evidence of the APC’s growing popularity nationwide, while noting that access would still be controlled during screening.