- Party chair: young people now own ruling party
- E-registration targets 10m members
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly positioned to secure a second term in office, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, declared yesterday.
Outlining strategies he believes would give the President an edge in the next election, Yilwatda cited growing youth support, policy delivery, party expansion and data-driven mobilisation.
He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday night at the APC Northwest Youth Mobilisation Meet-and-Greet programme, convened by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who hails from Sokoto State.
Party leaders at the event said that, contrary to opposition narratives, tangible policy gains are restoring public confidence in the ability of the Tinubu Administration to reposition the country from decades of decline towards growth and stability.
Among party chieftains and government officials in attendance were the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmud; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and members of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Northwest, led by their Director, Michael Massuan, among others.
Yilwatda said President Tinubu’s performance and expanding grassroots support have made the APC “the largest political party in Africa,” adding that the party’s acceptance is rising nationwide.
“Every day we keep on receiving more governors. Every day we keep on receiving more National Assembly members.
“We receive market women. We receive farmers. We receive students,” he said.
He noted that young Nigerians are driving the party’s growth, stressing that “the party belongs to the young people.”
He added that 48 per cent of APC members in the Northwest are aged between 18 and 35.
At the national level, those between 18 and 49 account for about 83 per cent of registered members.
Yilwatda credited key social policies for boosting public confidence, particularly the student loan scheme.
“Almost a million young Nigerians now have access to the student loan.
“At the same time, we give you N20,000 every month to support you in school, which has prevented students from dropping out due to financial hardship,” he said.
On healthcare and welfare, he noted that over four million people, mostly farmers, traders and rural artisans, are being added to the health insurance scheme, while digital transfers have reached six million households in six months.
The APC chairman said the party’s new electronic registration system would enhance targeted campaigning.
“With this, I can estimate how many votes I will have before the election starts.
“So far, we’ve hit over three million. We are hopeful to hit 10 million,” he said.
Urging loyalty, Yilwatda said: “This party is your biggest asset. The President is our biggest asset. Let us stand by this party.”
He insisted that political appointees must openly support the party, adding: “There is no one called a technocrat. Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician.”
He praised Goronyo as a model appointee who combines governance with party mobilisation.
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Goronyo, the convener of the event and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the Northwest in 2023, said President Tinubu has demonstrated inclusive leadership and that Nigerians would reward his “tenacity and commitment” with broad support in 2027.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara Highway, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway.
He noted that their spread reflects a deliberate effort to connect regions and stimulate economic growth.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said meaningful change requires leaders and citizens to think creatively.
He added that criticism of government is normal but must be countered by effective communication of achievements.
He described President Tinubu as a leader who “has the youth at heart”.
Olawande cited education support, stipends, the Nigeria Youth Academy and empowerment initiatives.
He disclosed plans to reform the NYSC to ensure participants acquire skills and post-service support.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urged Northwest appointees to demonstrate loyalty and unity.
She stressed that no one should hide behind claims of technocracy while benefiting from political appointments.
She said the administration remains focused on delivering its agenda, particularly in the North and Northwest.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of awards to deserving youth members in recognition of their dedication, commitment and outstanding performance.
