The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, has said that long-standing members of the party will retain their place in leadership structures, insisting that recent entrants will not override established stakeholders.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door engagement with stakeholders of the party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Yilwatda drew a distinction between founding and early members of the party and those who recently joined, stressing that both groups would be accommodated without allowing any to dominate the other.
According to him, the APC is a structure built by its original members, adding that it would be unfair for new entrants to assume control as though they created it.
He explained that the party would adopt an inclusive arrangement that ensures fair representation for all blocs within its fold.
“We must carry everyone along. There will be a formula that accommodates both legacy members and those who have recently joined the party,” he said.
On the party structure in the FCT, he disclosed that a five-point sharing arrangement had been designed, covering gender balance, geopolitical spread across the six geopolitical zones, representation of indigenous communities, youth participation, and other inclusiveness measures.
He also confirmed the existence of a committee led by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, noting that its members are recognised party stakeholders and that its zoning recommendations for the FCT have been implemented without objection.
Yilwatda added that no member had raised complaints of exclusion, stressing that the party would strictly enforce its constitution during upcoming congresses.
He further stated that aspirants seeking executive positions must present evidence of resignation from their former political parties, duly acknowledged by their previous party leadership.
He noted that the APC constitution limits continuous tenure in a single office to eight years, after which officeholders must step aside or seek a different position within the party structure.
Reaffirming his guiding principle, the APC chairman said inclusivity remains central to his leadership approach, adding that effective party management must reflect diversity across all levels.
He also emphasized that women should not be viewed merely as campaign tools but should be actively integrated into decision-making roles as capable professionals and contributors to party development.