The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns over the recent political moves involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting that developments within opposition parties pose no threat to the ruling party.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during the ongoing purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election before his reported move from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Yilwatda maintained that disagreements and defections within opposition parties were internal matters that had no impact on the APC.
He also downplayed the reported resignation of about 18 National Assembly members from ADC to NDC, describing the development as politically insignificant.
According to him, defections among opposition parties should not be interpreted as a challenge to the ruling party’s strength or stability.
Yilwatda argued that criticism often arises whenever politicians join the APC, while similar movements among opposition parties attract little attention.
He stressed that none of the politicians involved in the recent defections were members of the APC, adding that the opposition parties were merely reshuffling within their own ranks.
Commenting on the ongoing sale of nomination forms, the APC chairman said the high turnout of aspirants reflected increasing public confidence in the party across the country.
He noted that the APC remained organised and fully prepared for the 2027 elections, expressing satisfaction with the level of participation witnessed so far.
Yilwatda also ruled out any extension of the deadline for the purchase and submission of nomination forms, explaining that the party must comply with timelines set by the Electoral Act.
According to him, extending the process could create avoidable complications in the party’s primary election schedule and submission of candidates’ names.
He added that arrangements would be made during the screening process to manage crowd control and ensure a smooth exercise for all aspirants.
The APC chairman said the large presence of party supporters and aspirants at the venue further demonstrated the party’s growing influence and nationwide support ahead of the next general elections.