The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants contesting elective positions on the party’s platform to maintain discipline and embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 party primaries or risk severe sanctions.
Yilwatda gave the warning in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, while addressing aspirants who recently participated in screening exercises conducted by committees set up by the party for the forthcoming elections.
The APC chairman said the party remained committed to transparent, credible and democratic primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.
He cautioned that the party leadership would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting the primaries, stressing that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities or undermining the integrity of the process would face disciplinary actions, including suspension from the party.
According to him, the APC has built a reputation as one of the country’s most organised political parties, adding that no personal ambition would be allowed to override the collective interest of the party and national stability.
Yilwatda reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and losers, urging all contestants to display sportsmanship and accept the outcome of the primaries in the interest of unity and democracy.
“In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached,” he stated.
The APC national chairman also urged aspirants to conduct themselves as ambassadors of the party before, during and after the primaries, noting that their actions would reflect the values and discipline of the APC.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained efforts toward strengthening democratic institutions and deepening internal party processes.
Yilwatda said the President had continued to provide leadership and political goodwill aimed at building a stronger and more united APC capable of delivering sustainable development to Nigerians.
He therefore advised party stakeholders to align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid actions capable of creating divisions or overheating the political atmosphere.
The APC chairman further defended the policies of the Tinubu administration, saying the government inherited major economic and structural challenges but had embarked on reforms targeted at long-term growth and economic stability.
He highlighted ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, digital innovation and small-scale enterprise development as part of efforts to reposition the economy and achieve the administration’s $1 trillion economy target.
Yilwatda also pointed to reforms in the solid minerals, oil and gas, education, healthcare and technology sectors, which he said were already producing positive results across the country.
He maintained that the administration’s infrastructure projects would stimulate commerce, create jobs, attract investments and improve living standards nationwide.
The APC national chairman called on party members and stakeholders to remain united and committed to ensuring the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027, insisted that the achievements of the current administration provided a strong basis for continuity.
