National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yilwatda, has reaffirmed that the ruling party's growing strength across the country is driven by grassroots acceptance, inclusive governance and visible economic reforms, not merely by the defection of governors.
Yilwatda stated this on Trust Television (Daily Trust TV) during an extensive interview, where he addressed key political developments, economic reforms, party discipline, security collaboration, and preparations for forthcoming elections.
He noted that while the media often highlights the defection of governors, the real story lies in the mass movement of ordinary Nigerians, including youths, farmers, women, professionals, and artisans, who are daily aligning with the APC due to the impact of government policies.
The APC chairman, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, said the party remains firmly focused on national development and consolidation of democracy.
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"We are riding on a highway. We don't take anyone for granted, and we pay attention to every detail.
"What is happening across the country goes far beyond governors. People are seeing value and the difference this administration is making," Yilwatda stated.
He cited recent byelections in which the APC performed strongly, even in states where governors were not aligned with the party, adding that Kano State is steadily tilting towards the APC due to the palpable enthusiasm among the people.
The APC chairman highlighted major economic gains under the Tinubu administration, noting that governors are now better positioned to deliver development due to improved fiscal policies.
"Before now, workers went on strike, pensioners barricaded governors from their offices.
Today, that era is gone," Yilwatda said.
He disclosed that trillions of naira are now shared monthly from the Federation Account, significantly increasing state revenues by more than five times in some cases, thereby reducing the need for borrowing.
On inflation, the former don revealed that inflation is on a downward trend, adding that World Bank statistics project Nigeria as the only African country expected to contribute to global GDP growth this year.
Yilwatda emphasised that APC-led governance is rooted in responsiveness. He noted that when Nigerians complained about rising food prices and airline challenges, the government took decisive steps to address them.
The APC national chairman also highlighted flagship social interventions, including: Student Loan Scheme, which he described as a powerful tool for empowering children of the poor, market women, and ordinary citizens.
"Financial support to over 7 million vulnerable households, with 75% of beneficiaries in rural areas and 25% in urban communities. These households are praying for this government," he added.
Reacting to allegations of Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, the APC Chairman dismissed such claims as baseless, saying "Our legal framework does not support a one-party state, and APC will never promote that."
He added that the party's success is due to hard work, constant mobilisation, and behind-the-scenes engagement, not suppression of opposition.
"It is not our duty to feed our opponents. We are everywhere, mobilising, engaging, and organising," the APC chairman submitted.
In Osun state, Yilwatda disclosed that the APC has nine credible governorship aspirants, all of whom have agreed to rally behind a consensus candidate ahead of the August election.
He also described the political atmosphere in Kano as "electric", attributing it to the growing popularity of the APC leadership in the state.
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Yilwatda lauded President Bola Tinubu for his selflessness in 2015, noting that he had the structure to become president then but chose to support former President Muhammadu Buhari for the greater good of the nation.
He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his unwavering support for the president.
Regarding security cooperation with the United States, the APC Chairman dismissed criticisms, stating that no country operates in isolation when it comes to security.
"Even the United States relies on multi-layered intelligence collaboration. This is a global best practice, and Nigeria is part of it."
Professor Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC leadership is not complacent, saying, "We do not underestimate anyone. That is why we work every day. No individual or group gives us sleepless nights; our focus is service, inclusion, and progress."
