The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed the strength of opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing them as participants rather than serious rivals to the ruling party.
Yilwatda made the statement on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while briefing journalists at the conclusion of a three-day strategic retreat of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The APC chairman said the ruling party had reviewed its structures across the country and was satisfied with its level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
According to him, the review covered the party’s structures from the national level down to states, local government areas, wards and polling units.
He said the assessment had strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the 2027 polls.
APC Steps Up 2027 Preparations
Yilwatda said the party had also taken steps to strengthen its internal structures, including reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving disagreements among members.
The APC leadership directed state chapters that had yet to establish reconciliation committees to do so at the state, local government and ward levels.
The party also resolved that its National Working Committee would take a more active role in the campaign and communicate the policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to voters.
The APC had earlier constituted its presidential campaign council, with Tinubu as chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice chairman.
Yilwatda Expresses Confidence
Speaking about the opposition, Yilwatda maintained that the APC remained confident in its political strength and the candidates produced through its primaries.
He said the party was prepared to campaign nationwide and defend its political position at the 2027 elections.
Recent reports also quoted the APC chairman as pointing to the party’s performance in recent by-elections as part of the reasons for his confidence.
Yilwatda’s comments come as political parties intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections, with opposition groups also working to build structures and alliances ahead of the polls.
For the APC, the Maiduguri retreat focused on organisational strength, reconciliation and electoral mobilisation as the party moves deeper into the 2027 election cycle.
