ADC No Match for APC, Says Yilwatda as Ruling Party Dismisses Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its emerging coalition as politically insignificant, insisting that the ruling party remains far ahead of the opposition as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yilwatda downplayed the influence of prominent opposition figures aligning with the ADC, arguing that the APC’s numerical strength, grassroots reach, and internal cohesion place it firmly in a dominant position nationwide.

APC Leadership Shrugs Off ADC’s Political Weight

Professor Yilwatda stated unequivocally that the ADC does not pose a credible challenge to the APC, describing the ruling party as vastly superior in structure and membership. According to him, the opposition’s claim of strength is not reflected in real political organisation across the country.

“ADC is not a match at all for the APC. For every one person they have, we have five or six of them,” the APC chairman said, stressing that political relevance is measured by presence and mobilisation at the grassroots rather than elite alliances.

He further dismissed the influence of the ADC’s national leadership, including former Senate President David Mark, noting that the APC also boasts experienced national figures. Yilwatda pointed to former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and other senior party leaders as evidence that the APC’s leadership depth remains unmatched.

Rejection of Pressure Claims and Forced Defection Allegations

Yilwatda also rejected allegations that the APC was exerting pressure on civil servants or public officials to join the ruling party. He described such claims as unfounded and politically motivated narratives being promoted by opposition elements.

“We have never asked anybody, we have never appealed to any civil servant. Nobody has forced any civil servant in a letter or verbally,” he said, adding that he would publicly apologise if any credible evidence was presented to support such accusations.

According to him, claims of forced recruitment may, in fact, be tactics employed by opposition parties seeking to inflate their numbers. He maintained that the APC’s growth has been voluntary and driven by confidence in its governance record and political stability.

Governors’ Defections and Grassroots Strategy Highlighted

The APC chairman argued that the steady movement of governors and influential politicians from opposition parties into the APC underscores the ruling party’s enduring appeal. He said this trend demonstrates where real political power and opportunity currently reside.

Yilwatda also dismissed the perceived threat posed by prominent opposition figures reportedly aligning with the ADC, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In a separate interview on Trust TV, Yilwatda criticised opposition parties for focusing excessively on media appearances rather than building structures at the grassroots. He said the APC’s strength lies in behind-the-scenes mobilisation across states and communities, not constant television commentary.

“Opposition parties spend more time on TV talking. It’s not our duty to help our enemies to grow,” he said, adding that political relevance is earned through street-level engagement rather than studio debates.