The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured long-standing members of the party that recent defectors will not be allowed to dominate or take over its leadership structures.
Yilwatda gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stakeholders, stressing that while the party remains open and inclusive, its foundational members will not be sidelined.
Describing the APC as a collective project built by its early members, he warned against any attempt by new entrants to assume control. “This is a home we built. If it wasn’t built, no one would come. So no one should come as a warrior and take over,” he said.
He, however, emphasised the need for unity, revealing that the party is developing a deliberate power-sharing arrangement to balance the interests of both legacy members and new entrants. According to him, the formula will ensure fairness and inclusivity across all groups.
“We must carry everybody along. There will be a sharing formula that guarantees proper inclusion for both legacy members and defectors,” Yilwatda stated.
Addressing the structure of the APC in the FCT, the chairman outlined a five-point inclusion framework. This includes gender representation ensuring women occupy substantive executive roles geopolitical balance across the six zones, inclusion of indigenous FCT communities, youth participation, and broader stakeholder engagement.
Yilwatda also confirmed the work of a committee led by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, noting that its zoning recommendations for the FCT chapter had been fully implemented without complaints from party members.
He further stressed that the party’s constitution would be strictly enforced ahead of upcoming congresses. As part of this, defectors seeking leadership positions must formally resign from their former parties and present proof of acceptance of their resignation.
“If you are coming from another party, you must provide evidence of resignation duly accepted by your former party chairman,” he said.
Reiterating the APC’s stance on tenure, Yilwatda noted that any member who has held the same office for eight consecutive years must step aside or move to a different role.
He concluded by highlighting inclusion as the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy, pointing to his own background as a minority as evidence of the party’s commitment to diversity.
“Without inclusion, I wouldn’t be here. My tribe exists in only two local governments in this country. Inclusion is non-negotiable,” he said.
Yilwatda also called for greater recognition of women within the party, describing them as key mobilisers who should not be limited to election periods but actively involved in leadership and decision-making processes.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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