2027: APC Insists Tinubu Must Emerge Through Convention — Yilwatda

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu must formally emerge as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election through an organised convention, despite widespread endorsements from party stakeholders.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Yilwatda explained that while President Tinubu enjoys the “Right of First Refusal” for the APC ticket, the provisions of the Electoral Act require that a primary be conducted, even if he is the sole aspirant.

He said, “Endorsements reflect the preference of party members, but the law still mandates a primary. Printing forms is not the issue; what matters is that the members have overwhelmingly endorsed one candidate. At the summit in the Villa, governors, members of the National Assembly, and critical party stakeholders all endorsed Tinubu as their preferred candidate.”

On the possibility of opposition challenges, Yilwatda dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as unorganized, noting that the party lacks a central leadership structure and that its members are primarily seeking tickets rather than advancing a cohesive political agenda.

He cited recent by-election results as evidence of APC’s strength, noting that the party secured victories across all geopolitical zones, while the PDP, NNPP, and ADC managed only isolated wins.

Responding to concerns raised by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu over early political mobilisation, Yilwatda clarified that such activities do not contravene the Electoral Act, describing them as routine political engagement rather than formal campaigns.

The APC chairman further argued that the achievements of the Tinubu administration, including improvements in the economy, social infrastructure, education, security, and social welfare, will reinforce voter confidence in the party during the 2027 elections.