*Says Subsidy Removal Necessary To Stabilise Economy
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has provided detailed insights into party politics, governance, and national reforms, stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally approved the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a media chat, Yilwatda explained that Wike did not defect to the APC but was permitted by his party to serve in the APC-led government after obtaining clearance from the PDP National Working Committee.
According to him, “Wike wrote to the PDP National Working Committee to seek approval to serve, and the PDP approved that he should come and work with us. So he is serving with that approval, not as someone taken away from his party.”
He argued that such cross-party appointments are not unprecedented, noting that past administrations have engaged individuals from opposition parties based on competence and capacity.
Addressing criticisms that the APC is weakening opposition parties, Yilwatda maintained that political participation remains voluntary and constitutionally protected.
“We don’t compel anyone to join APC. Freedom of association is guaranteed, and anyone who wants to join does so willingly,” he said, adding that support for President Tinubu does not require formal APC membership.
“You don’t have to be a member of APC to support the President. Once you vote for him, you have endorsed him,” he stated.
On internal party processes, Yilwatda emphasized that the APC is strengthening transparency and accountability through structured reforms. He disclosed that the party shares its schedules and guidelines for primaries with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has established monitoring committees at both state and national levels to ensure compliance.
He further revealed that the party is developing a digitised membership register to enable verification of members and improve grassroots mobilisation ahead of elections.
“We are building a data-driven political party where membership is verifiable and accessible for mobilisation,” he said.
Yilwatda also highlighted ongoing training and ideological development initiatives within the APC, stressing that politics should go beyond winning elections to building governance capacity.
“Politics should not just be about winning elections; it should be about building knowledge and capacity for governance,” he added.
On the issue of candidate selection, the APC chairman firmly ruled out the possibility of automatic tickets for any aspirant, insisting that all candidates must emerge through constitutionally recognised processes.
“There is no provision in the party constitution or the Electoral Act for automatic tickets. So I cannot guarantee automatic tickets to anybody,” he said.
He explained that the party operates either through direct primaries or consensus arrangements, noting that consensus can only be adopted where all aspirants voluntarily agree.
“In the case of consensus, all aspirants must sign and agree on a candidate. If they do not agree, we revert to direct primaries,” he said.
According to him, the era of imposing candidates is effectively over due to clear constitutional provisions, party guidelines, and the Electoral Act.
“The issue of imposing candidates is almost wishful thinking. The constitution is sacrosanct, the party guidelines are clear, and the Electoral Act is also binding,” he stated.
On re-election, Yilwatda maintained that performance remains the ultimate test, as constituents and party members will decide whether elected officials deserve another term.
“If your people believe you have performed and they bring you back, why not? The people will judge those who have done well,” he said.
Addressing broader governance issues, Yilwatda defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a difficult but necessary decision to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and position it for long-term growth.
“What has been done is to build an economy that can sustain a one trillion-dollar economy. These are tough decisions, but they are necessary for long-term stability,” he said.
He linked the policy to ongoing infrastructure and economic development projects, particularly in northern Nigeria, noting that investments in the North-West are designed to enhance connectivity, stimulate trade, and unlock regional potential.
“These projects are aimed at developing not just the North-West or northern Nigeria, but also linking Nigeria to neighbouring landlocked countries. It is a major economic opportunity,” he explained.
On security, Yilwatda acknowledged that challenges persist but insisted that measurable progress has been made. He warned against politicising insecurity, urging stakeholders to treat it as a collective national concern.
“We must separate facts from fiction and stop politicising insecurity. This is a collective fight for all Nigerians,” he said.
He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to address the root causes of insecurity, including disrupting financing networks and tackling vulnerabilities at the community level.
The APC chairman also advocated structural reforms such as the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system is overstretched.
“For the first time, we are seeing serious conversations around state police. The current system cannot adequately cover a country of this size,” he noted.
On power supply, Yilwatda pointed to the increasing adoption of off-grid electricity solutions, particularly solar power, as a practical and cost-effective approach to improving energy access.
“Many institutions are now running fully on solar and off-grid systems. It is faster and more cost-effective than expanding the national grid in some cases,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating the APC’s commitment to transparent internal processes, democratic candidate selection, and broad governance reforms, expressing confidence that ongoing policies and institutional changes will reposition Nigeria for sustainable economic growth and development.
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