The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has criticised opposition parties, saying their internal conflicts highlight a lack of readiness to lead Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 8, by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda argued that political parties battling persistent internal crises cannot be entrusted with national leadership.
Speaking in Abuja on the country’s political and economic landscape, he maintained that “a party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria.”
He further stated, “If a political platform is constantly trapped in self-inflicted crisis, consumed by internal sabotage, and weakened by poor management, it simply has no business asking Nigerians for the mandate to lead this country.”
Yilwatda described the APC as a stable and experienced political structure with the capacity to manage Nigeria’s complex governance demands. According to him, “The All Progressives Congress is not an ad hoc coalition held together by convenience.”
“It is a tested and enduring political machine, built on structure, spread, experience, and the capacity to respond to the real needs of Nigerians.
“We are the only party with the institutional strength and national reach to carry the weight of both the present and the future of this country.”
He noted that the ruling party remains focused on strengthening governance systems, deepening democratic values, and restoring public trust.
The APC chairman acknowledged that governance involves tough choices but said the party continues to support reforms aimed at long-term national stability and economic growth.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is confronted with significant nation-building responsibilities that require both courage and patience.
Yilwatda also emphasised that the party prefers to secure electoral victories through public support rather than legal manoeuvres.
“Victory is sweeter when it is earned. It is more legitimate when it is freely given by the people,” he said.
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“As a party, we believe that the strongest mandate is one secured through persuasion, performance, organisation and political engagement.”
He expressed confidence in the APC’s expanding structures and increasing acceptance across the country.
On the issue of security, Yilwatda pointed to the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects as a sign that the federal government is strengthening accountability through legal channels.
He said, “What we are seeing is movement beyond arrests toward institutional accountability.”
“It shows that the Tinubu administration is not only fighting insecurity on the battlefield but also in the courtroom, in the intelligence space, and within the wider framework of state institutions.”
He explained that the administration is implementing a comprehensive security approach that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, and judicial processes.
Commenting on developments in Osun State, Yilwatda described the state as a critical test for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. “Osun is not just another state election,” he said.
“It is a test of strength, a battle of perception, a measure of organisational discipline, and an important rehearsal ground for 2027.”
He called on party members in the state to remain united and disciplined in preparation for upcoming political contests.
Reaffirming the party’s broader agenda, Yilwatda said the APC remains committed to policies that enhance security, drive economic recovery, and promote national progress.
“Nigeria needs steadiness, structure, courage, and capacity. The APC represents that responsibility,” he added.
“We are not perfect, but we are prepared, we are tested, and we are committed to doing the hard work required to move this country forward.”