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  • Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    Disenfranchisement of election workers causes low voter turnout, says Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s electoral process, identifying the disenfranchisement of election-day workers as a largely overlooked factor contributing to low voter turnout.

    Yilwatda made the remarks during a meeting of chairmen and secretaries of political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said thousands of Nigerians who are legally eligible to vote are unable to do so on Election Day because of the roles they play in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.

    He listed those affected to include INEC ad-hoc staff, security personnel, civil society observers, medical workers, journalists, and other essential support staff deployed for election duties.

    Yilwatda argued that despite their inability to vote being a result of national service, these citizens are often wrongly counted among those blamed for voter apathy.

    He said the situation calls for urgent policy review, particularly on the long-standing debate around early voting, stressing that a democratic system should not exclude citizens from the ballot because they are serving the country.

    Responding, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), said that while early voting had been considered, it raised significant operational and cultural challenges.

    Read Also: 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    He noted that by the time he assumed office, work on the Electoral Bill had largely been concluded, adding that early voting remained one reform capable of addressing the voting needs of election-day workers.

    However, the INEC Chairman cautioned against a system where votes are cast early and “warehoused” for counting after the general election. Such an arrangement, he warned, could expose the process to abuse, manipulation, and loss of public trust, with fears that “huge votes could suddenly appear from somewhere.”

    At the heart of the matter, he said, is Nigeria’s electoral culture. Nigerians, he observed, are deeply invested in real-time voting and counting, wanting to see results as they emerge. Until the country builds a culture and system that enjoys absolute public confidence and is seen as incorruptible, adopting early voting may remain difficult.

    The INEC Chairman also highlighted the heavy financial implications of conducting elections in a single day nationwide. He explained that doing so would require the Commission to almost double its electoral materials since the current staggered process allows for the reuse of some equipment.

    A one-day election, he said, would significantly increase the cost of elections and place enormous pressure on resources.

  • 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) is no match for the ruling party.

    Yilwatda also said the political tension between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara is outside the party’s jurisdiction.

    The ruling party chairman spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, downplaying the electoral value of some opposition coalition leaders like the ADC National Chairman and ex-Senate President, David Mark.

    He expressed confidence that the ruling party is a party to beat, citing some factors that have been attracting opposition governors into the APC fold.

    “We have never asked anybody, we have never appealed to any civil servant. Nobody has forced any civil servant in a letter, verbally, you can bring a video to that effect, and I will apologise. Maybe the opposition is forcing civil servants so they will have numbers,” he stated.

    “ADC is not a match at all (for the APC). For every one person they have, we have five, six of them. If they have David Mark as former Senate President, we have Ahmad Lawan, we have two former Senate Presidents from the South East,” he stated.

    He dismissed claims that the APC is jittery of the opposition, stressing that contrary to insinuations, the ruling party is not forcefully recruiting civil servants into its fold.

    The APC Chairman explained that the party is not worried by the caliber of opposition leaders in the ADC, including the likes of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Rivers crisis

    He added that the dispute does not concern the APC leadership because Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Fubara belongs to the APC.

    “When it comes to the issue between Wike and Fubara, it’s not within my purview as the national chairman of APC. Wike is in PDP, Fubara is in APC,” he said.

    Read Also: Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    “When it comes to the issue between Wike and Fubara, it’s not within my purview as the national chairman of APC. Wike is in PDP, Fubara is in APC,” he said.

    The APC chairman said the impeachment controversy in Rivers state relates strictly to members of the party in the House of Assembly.

    “The issue of impeachment is not about Wike now; it concerns the APC house of assembly members. That is something I can discuss. It’s an internal matter, and we have mechanisms within APC to resolve such issues,” he added.

    Yilwatda further said internal disagreements should be handled discreetly and with maturity.

    “We don’t put these discussions in the public. Issues can be resolved through in-house activities that require maturity to address,” he added.

    Asked whether Wike is a problem to the ruling party, Yilwatda said “never, never”.

    NELFund

    During the show, he said the APC-led Federal Government has embarked on some intervention programmes to cater to the needs of Nigerians.

    Yilwatda, an engineer-turned politician, cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, emphasizing its impact on students and families across Nigeria.

    According to the APC chair, this adjustment helps students manage the ongoing challenges associated with paying their school fees.

    “Most students in Nigeria have difficulty paying their school fees. I know of many who had to withdraw from universities because they couldn’t afford it,” he said.

    He explained that under the NELFUND initiative, students can now access loans that cover their tuition fees, while also receiving a monthly allowance of N20,000, whether they are in school or on holiday.

    “I know a number of them who even support their parents back home, invest in farming, and during holidays, help pay the school fees of their younger siblings in secondary schools within their communities,” he added.

    According to Prof. Yilwatda, over a million students nationwide currently benefit from this program.

    “It’s available to anybody in Nigeria. If you’re a student struggling with school fees, register with your university and put your name forward to access the student loan. We offset your entire school fees, and you get N20,000 every month,” he said.

    He described the program as a social protection system, supporting households and parents across the country.

    “These are households, these are parents. Over a million students have access to it, and all their parents are looking forward to more support through NELFUND,” he stated.

    The APC chairman also touched on other social welfare programs, including health insurance, which has benefited 4 to 5 million Nigerians.

  • Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic international engagements, saying the country has recorded measurable economic and diplomatic gains from the shuttles.

    Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his special adviser, media and communications strategy, Abimbola Tooki, in Abuja on Tuesday, said President Tinubu’s foreign trips and meetings with world leaders have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted huge foreign investment into the country, above the ceremonial attachments.

    The statement reads in part, “Mr. President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity.”

    The APC boss noted that since 2023, President Tinubu has undertaken a series of international visits to key regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, where he engaged leaders and investors in nations including the USA, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, etc.

    He maintained that with the diplomatic shuttles by the President, the country secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, with major global companies committing to investments that span energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and many more.

    “These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy.”

    Citing the recent diplomatic breakthrough with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Yilwatda said the initiative was designed to deepen trade, investment, and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.

    The chairman faulted the description of the President’s international travels as “overdone” or unnecessary by the opposition, noting that such perspectives by the critics were a reflection of short-sightedness and a lack of appreciation for the broader reform trajectory the administration has championed.

    “Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic, and necessary.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    “We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said, implicitly countering skeptical commentary by political commentators and opponents.”

    The APC Chairman argued that the President has the capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, which demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and making living easier for the citizenry.

    “Mr. President has shown both the vision and the determination to see through the reforms this nation needs. Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Yilwatda concluded.

  • Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, says President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with global leaders have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships.

    Yilwatda stated this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr Abimbola Tooki, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He commended Tinubu for his strategic international engagements and measurable gains, noting that through the engagements, Nigeria had recorded sustained diplomatic and economic outreach.

    “Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with global leaders are not ceremonial but purposeful actions that had strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted significant foreign investments into the country.

    “Mr President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests.

    “These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity,” he said.

    Yilwatda further stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the president had undertaken series of international visits to key regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.

    He said that Tinubu had engaged leaders and investors in countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil and others.

    Yilwatda added that the missions had been focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion and enhanced strategic partnerships.

    He noted that Nigeria had already secured over 50 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments through Tinubu’s diplomatic drive.

    This, the APC national chairmanship said, was especially with major companies and sectors committing to investments that spanned energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.

    “These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities and technology transfers that strengthen our economy,” he said.

    Yilwatda applauded Tinubu for negotiating agreements that prioritised Nigeria’s growth and sustainable development.

    He recalled recent diplomatic achievements, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, designed to deepen trade, investment and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.

    Read Also: APC and the Yilwatda doctrine

    The APC national chairman said that those describing Tinubu’s international travels as overdone or unnecessary, were short-sighted and lacked appreciation for the broader reform trajectory which the administration had championed.

    “Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic and necessary.

    “We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said.

    Yilwatda emphasised that Tinubu’s capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, demonstrated a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and enhancing living standards for citizens.

    According to him, the president has shown both the vision and determination to see through the reforms the country needs.

    “Now is not the time for cynicism but for unity and constructive support, as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Yilwatda said.

    He assured that APC remained committed to amplifying the positive impacts of Nigeria’s international engagements and ensuring that global partnerships contributed directly to national growth, job creation and shared prosperity.

    (NAN)

  • 2027: Why APC is confident of Tinubu’s re-election, by Yilwatda, others

    2027: Why APC is confident of Tinubu’s re-election, by Yilwatda, others

    …as party leaders rally North West youths ahead of 2027

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is firmly positioned to secure a second term in office, citing youth support, policy delivery, party growth, and data-driven mobilisation as the pillars of the ruling party’s 2027 strategy.

    Yilwatda spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the APC North West Youth Mobilisation Meet and Greet in Abuja, convened by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, where 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 Nigeria from decades of decline toward growth and stability.

    Several party chieftains and government officials attended, including the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; State of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd); APC Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and several PCC North West members led by the Director Michael Massuan, among others.

    Addressing party leaders, youths, and political appointees, 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 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.”

    Stating that 48 percent of APC members in the North West are aged 18–35, he added, “At the national level, people between the ages of 18 and 49 form about 83 percent of our registered members. It means the young people own this party”.

    Yilwatda credited key social policies for boosting public confidence, especially the student loan scheme, saying, “Almost a million young Nigerians now have access to the student loan. At the same time, we support you with N20,000 every month to support you in school, which has prevented students from dropping out due to financial hardship”.

    On healthcare and welfare, he noted, “We are adding over four million people to the health insurance scheme, mostly farmers, traders and rural artisans, while digital transfers have reached six million households in just six months.”

    The APC chairman also said the party’s new electronic registration system would guide targeted campaigns.

    “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 ten million,” he said.

    He urged loyalty, stressing, “This party is your biggest asset. The President is our biggest asset. Let us stand by this party.”

    He, however, insisted that political appointees must openly support the party, stressing, “There is no one called technocrats. Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician”.

    He praised Goronyo as a good example of a political appointee who combines governance with party mobilisation.

    Goronyo, the convener of the meet-and-greet and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the North West in 2023, said President Tinubu has demonstrated inclusive leadership. He argued that Nigerians would reward the President’s “tenacity and commitment” with broad support in 2027.

    Read Also: Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda directs APC membership registration coordinators

    He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara Highway, and the long-delayed Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, now being executed in sections. He said the spread of the projects reflects a deliberate effort to connect regions and stimulate economic growth.

    Goronyo urged members to support the ongoing registration drive and intensify mobilisation, noting that the North West delivered the largest share of votes in the last election.

    He called on appointees to work as a united force to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election while assuring the youth leaders of support for the task ahead.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said change requires leaders and citizens to think creatively and “outside the box,” adding that criticism of government is normal.

    He said it is the duty of the ruling party to communicate its achievements.

    He described the President as someone who “has the youth at heart,” saying government programmes are designed mainly for young Nigerians, citing education support, stipends, the Nigeria Youth Academy, and youth empowerment initiatives.

    He added that the Ministry is working with agencies under the “Digital for All” agenda and disclosed plans to reform the NYSC to ensure participants gain skills and post-service support.

    While acknowledging the sacrifices Nigerians are making, he expressed confidence that reforms would soon yield results and urged party members to defend the administration’s record.

    On her part, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urged North West appointees to demonstrate loyalty and unity.

    She said no one should hide behind claims of being a technocrat while benefiting from political appointments, adding that all appointees must actively support the President and contribute to electoral success.

    She said the administration is focused on fulfilling its promises, especially in the North and North West, and called on stakeholders to stand with the President and ensure the delivery of his agenda.

    The highlight of the night was the presentation of awards to deserving youth members in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and outstanding performance.

  • Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda directs APC membership registration coordinators

    Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda directs APC membership registration coordinators

    • Over 2m members registered within one week

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has directed all state coordinators of the party’s ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration to register all party members or face removal.

    The national chairman urged the registration coordinators to fulfill their responsibilities.

    Yilwatda spoke yesterday during an interaction with all the state registration coordinators at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    The national chairman’s directive followed an announcement by APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, that the party had registered over 2 million members within one week of the take-off of the nationwide exercise in some states.

    The ongoing registration is scheduled to end on January 30.

    Yilwatda told the coordinators that no member of the party should be left unregistered, warning that any coordinator who fails would be replaced.

    Yilwatda stressed that the job of the coordinators is not ceremonial but a responsibility to strengthen the party.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    “If any coordinator does not get all members registered in his or her state, we will drop you and appoint another person. The position you occupy is an opportunity to make the party better,” he said.

    The national chairman reminded the coordinators that they are the foot soldiers of the party, stressing that when party structures at the state level are strong and functional, the party itself becomes strong.

    He also urged APC state chairmen to cooperate fully with the coordinators to ensure a seamless and successful exercise.

    “Nobody contests elections at the national secretariat. Elections are won or lost at the state, senatorial, constituency, local government, and ward levels. The performance of the party rests squarely on you,” he stated.

    Yilwatda decried a situation where the party claimed millions of members in a state but recorded very low votes during elections.

    The national chairman described such discrepancies as unacceptable.

    He added that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) had created an environment that was conducive to ensuring the success of all party programmes.

    According to him, party structures at all levels must begin to reflect real membership strength.

    Yilwatda also warned that any State Executive Committee (SEC) member who fails to register before January 30 would be removed from office, stressing that the NEC, the second-highest organ of the party after the convention, has the constitutional authority to enforce compliance.

    The national chairman implored all the state chairmen to support the registration process.

    “It is not negotiable. This warning must be sounded from the state level down to the ward level,” he said.

    Yilwatda condemned sharp practices aimed at blocking or excluding some party members from the registration process.

    “No chairman, no coordinator, and not even a governor has the power to stop any party member from being registered. No one must be disenfranchised,” he warned.

    To ensure speed and efficiency, Yilwatda directed coordinators to use Android phones where tablets are unavailable, adding that no state should delay the exercise with the excuse of waiting for devices.

    The national chairman urged the coordinators to avoid making the exercise unnecessarily expensive for state governments.

    He announced that in his state, Plateau, registration officials were recruited from within their wards to ease logistics.

    Giving an update on the progress of th3 registration, Yilwatda said Delta State is currently leading, followed by Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Plateau states.

    The national chairman urged other states to emulate their pace and commitment.

    He promised to review the progress of the progress in five days.

    Yilwatda also linked the electronic registration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, stressing that the party must reflect the same spirit of modernisation and accountability.

    “We need accurate data to support the President. We must be different from all other parties. We cannot make decisions on faulty premises. This registration must succeed,” he said.

    The national chairman explained that the electronic registration, the first of its kind by any political party in Nigeria, would give APC a credible, verifiable and real-time membership database, as well as enhance internal democracy, improve campaign planning, eliminate fraud, and ensure that party resources are deployed based on real and reliable data.

    Also, barely a week into its nationwide electronic membership registration, the APC said it has recorded over 2 million digitally verified members.

    The party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced this yesterday in Abuja after a meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and state coordinators overseeing the registration.

    Basiru explained that the exercise was approved by the party’s NEC at its December meeting, which directed that all APC members nationwide must be digitally registered before the end of this month.

    “Despite many states yet to commence the exercise fully, Nigerians who have registered as APC members are already in excess of 2 million. These are digitally verified members with their voter identification numbers, National Identification Numbers (NIN), and telephone contacts,” Basiru said.

    The national secretary noted that with increasing momentum across states, the party expected its digital membership to rise to between 8 million and 9 million by the next assessment scheduled for next week.

    Commenting on the inclusion of members from states with internal factional disputes, Basiru said: “During the last NEC meeting, Mr. President, who is the leader of the party, stated that nobody or group should be denied the opportunity of being registered. Every group, every factional interest, every personal interest is being taken care of.”

    Highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative, Basiru urged party stakeholders at state and grassroots levels to prioritise the registration.

    He described it as the foundation to build a cohesive party structure capable of mobilising support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda warns coordinators

    Register every member or be removed, Yilwatda warns coordinators

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has directed all state coordinators of the party’s ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration exercise to ensure all members are registered.

    He also warned that failure by the coordinators to live up to their responsibility may cost them their appointments.

    Yilwatda handed down the warning on Monday in a meeting with all the State Registration Coordinators at the National Secretariat of the APC in Abuja.

    The directive came on the heels of the disclosure by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru that the party had registered over two million members within one week of the take-off of the nationwide exercise in some states.

    The ongoing registration exercise is scheduled to end on January 30, 2026.

    Addressing the coordinators, the National Chairman said no member of the party is left unregistered and warned that any coordinator who fails would be replaced.

    According to Yilwatda, the position of coordinator is not ceremonial but a responsibility to strengthen the party.

    “If any coordinator does not get all members registered in his or her state, we will drop you and appoint another person. The position you occupy is an opportunity to make the party better,” he said.

    Yilwatda reminded the Coordinators that they are the foot soldiers of the party, stressing that when party structures at the state level are strong and functional, the party itself becomes strong.

    READ ALSO; NIN database hits 127 million enrolments nationwide, says NIMC

    He also charged State Party Chairmen to cooperate fully with the coordinators to ensure a seamless and successful exercise.

    “Nobody contests elections at the National Secretariat. Elections are won or lost at the state, senatorial, constituency, local government, and ward levels. The performance of the party rests squarely on you,” he stated.

    The Chairman decried a situation where the party claims millions of members in a state but records very low votes during elections, describing such discrepancies as unacceptable going forward.

    He disclosed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has created a conducive environment to ensure the success of all party programmes and insisted that party structures at all levels must begin to reflect real membership strength.

    The chairman further warned that any State Executive Committee (SEC) member who fails to register before January 30, 2026, will be removed from office, stressing that NEC, the second highest organ of the party after the Convention, has the constitutional authority to enforce compliance.

    He implored all the State Chairmen to support the drive of this registration exercise. It is not negotiable. This warning must be sounded from the state level down to the ward level,” he said.

    Yilwatda also condemned sharp practices aimed at blocking or excluding party members from the registration process.

    “No Chairman, no Coordinator, and not even a Governor has the power to stop any party member from being registered. No one must be disenfranchised,” he warned.

    To ensure speed and efficiency, the Chairman directed coordinators to use Android phones where tablets are unavailable, stressing that no state should delay the exercise waiting for devices.

    He urged Coordinators to avoid making the exercise unnecessarily expensive for state governments and disclosed that in his own state, registration officials were recruited from within their wards to ease logistics.

    Giving an update on progress, Professor Yilwatda revealed that Delta State is currently leading, followed by Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Plateau States, and encouraged other states to emulate their pace and commitment.

    He announced that he would review the progress of the progress in five days.

    The APC Chairman also linked the electronic registration to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, stressing that the party must reflect the same spirit of modernization and accountability.

    “We need accurate data to support the President. We must be different from all other parties. We cannot make decisions on faulty premises. This registration must succeed,” he declared.

    He explained that the electronic registration, the first of its kind by any political party in Nigeria, will give APC a credible, verifiable and real-time membership database, enhance internal democracy, improve campaign planning, eliminate fraud, and ensure that party resources are deployed based on real and reliable data.

  • Yilwatda appoints special advisers, others

    Yilwatda appoints special advisers, others

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has appointed Special Advisers, Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to assist him in the discharge of his duties.

    The appointments were announced yesterday in a statement by Chief of Staff to the National Chairman Mustapha Bala Dawaki.

    Those appointed are:

    Special advisers: Senator Danladi Sankara, SA, Political Matters;  Daniel Reyenieju Oritsegbubemi, SA, National Assembly Matters and  Dr. Sorochi P. LONGDET, SA, Research, Strategy & Planning.

    Advisers: Jibrin Abdullahi Surajo, Adviser, Community Engagement; Mr. Paul Domsing, Adviser, Special Duties and Suleiman Bukari, Adviser, Intelligence Coordination and Prof. Taiwo Ajibolu Balofin, Honorary Adviser, Diaspora Coordination & Mobilisation.

    READ ALSO: US: How not to engage a changing continent

    Senior Special Assistants: Imran Muhammad, SSA, New Media; Mildred Bako, SSA, Civil Society Organisations;  Obinta Juliet Chinenye, SSA. Youth mobilization; Ismaila Sadis Mohammed, SSA, Conflict Management; Zarah Onyinye, SSA, Media (Public Affairs); Mrs Enenedu Idusuyi, SSA, Protocol; Yusuf Dingyadi, SSA, Media and SSA, Inter-Governmental Affairs

     The statement said the appointments are part of the on-going efforts to enhance effective coordination, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement within the Party’s National Secretariat.

    “The newly appointed aides are expected to bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to bear in supporting the National Chairman in the discharge of his duties.

    “The National Chairman congratulates the appointees and urges them to demonstrate dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the APC.

    “The appointments take immediate effect.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, are attending the party’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The session commenced at 6:05 pm with the arrival of the President and followed the APC National Caucus meeting held on Thursday.

    The meeting is being moderated by Prof. Yilwatda, who was elected National Chairman at the party’s NEC meeting of July 24, 2025.

    Read Also: Put your house in order, INEC tells PDP, wade into lingering crisis

    Opening prayers were offered by the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who led the Christian prayer, while the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Arugungu, offered the Muslim prayer.

    In attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

    Also present are six governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

    Details shortly….

  • We’ve confidence in Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, group replies Zagzaga 

    We’ve confidence in Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, group replies Zagzaga 

    The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) has applauded the progress made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing it as phenomenal.

    National Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Dominic Alancha in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said this when he punctured an alleged claim by the leadership of the North Central APC Forum that the region regretted the emergence of Yiltwada as APC national chairman, arguing that the reforms he introduced are yielding positive and progressive results.

    Zagzaga, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the North-Central APC Forum, through its chairman, Saleh Zagzaga, expressed disappointment with Yilwatda’s performance, noting that he has not demonstrated the capacity to lead the party. 

    The Forum equally accused him of promoting a religious agenda and using the office to advance his selfish political interests in Plateau State.

    But Alancha argued that Zagzaga and his group are not in any position to speak for the region, alleging that they are threatened by stability, unity, and the ongoing reforms within the party.

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    The statement reads, “The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum condemns in strong terms the deliberately sponsored and poorly scripted publication circulating in the media, claiming to speak for the North-Central over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress. We categorically state that the story is the handiwork of political scavengers and individuals threatened by stability, unity, and ongoing reforms within the party.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the so-called statement by the acclaimed, unregistered North-Central APC Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zagzaga does not represent the opinion, position or sentiment of legitimate APC stakeholders across the North or the North-Central. It is a desperate attempt to manufacture discontent where none exists.”

    Faulting Zagzaga, the NENF leader noted that since his emergence, “Yilwatda has brought intellectual depth, strategic organization, humility, inclusiveness and modern party administration to the APC,” adding that “under his leadership, the party has regained grassroots energy, strengthened internal cohesion, repositioned structures nationwide and renewed public confidence ahead of future elections.”

    Alancha emphasized that attempts by Zagzaga and his group to weaponize religion, ethnicity, or internal political disagreements have exposed their bankrupt agenda. 

    According to him, “The APC remains a national, secular, progressive platform and Prof. Yilwatda has exemplified that principle through fairness, bridge-building, and respect for all tendencies within the party.

    “As the Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum, we reaffirm our total confidence in the capacity of Prof. Yilwatda led the APC to an electoral Eldorado, victory, expansion, and historic democratic consolidation. 

    “We stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Working Committee, and all patriots committed to unity and good governance.”

    NENF then urged party members, the media, and the public “to disregard this politically motivated fiction. The APC is stable. The North is united. The future is brighter under purposeful leadership.”