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APC Rules Out Further Extension of Nomination Forms Sales
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentewa Yilwatda, has ruled out any further extension of the party’s ongoing sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, citing overwhelming participation and adherence to the electoral timetable.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection visit to the venue of the exercise in Abuja, Yilwatda described the process as “seamless, organized, and a reflection of the party’s nationwide acceptance,” noting the sustained influx of aspirants and their supporters despite an earlier deadline extension.
“As you can see, this place is a beehive of activities. People are trooping in and out in large numbers to obtain and submit their forms,” he said. “It shows the acceptance of our party across all geopolitical zones. Nigerians, from the grassroots to the top, believe in what APC is doing.”
The APC chairman emphasized that while the party had earlier extended the sales period to accommodate more aspirants, no further extension would be granted.
“We are time-bound. The Electoral Act sets clear timelines, and we must comply. No matter how long we extend, people will continue to come out to buy forms. So there will be no further extension,” he stated.
Yilwatda also highlighted the level of internal democracy within the ruling party, pointing out that even sitting officeholders are being openly challenged by other aspirants.
“We have opened up the system. Even with a sitting president, people are buying forms to contest. That shows the level of democracy in APC. We did not increase the cost of forms, unlike some other parties. Yet, people are coming out in droves,” he said.
On the logistics of managing large crowds during the screening process, the chairman assured that measures had been put in place to ensure orderliness and efficiency.
“We have designed a system to reduce congestion and ensure seamless screening. The crowd itself is a sign of mobilization and acceptance. You cannot find one-tenth of this turnout in any other party’s secretariat,” he added.
Yilwatda, however, took a swipe at opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of internal discord and political instability.
“The opposition is busy fighting itself. It is not APC versus the opposition; it is opposition versus opposition,” he said. “They are trading accusations, calling each other corrupt, and accusing one another of avoiding internal competition.”
His remarks come amid a wave of defections that has reshaped the opposition landscape. Prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, recently exited the ADC to align with the NDC, a development that has triggered tensions between both parties.
The defections have also extended to the legislature, with several former governors and members of the National Assembly reportedly moving from ADC to NDC, bringing the number of defecting federal lawmakers to about 19.
Despite the shifting alliances, Yilwatda dismissed concerns about the impact on APC.
“What do you call a shocker? Nineteen lawmakers out of over 400 is less than three percent. Should I be worried? Not at all,” he said. “More importantly, none of those defecting are from APC. They are simply moving within their own circle — fishing from the same pond.”
He maintained that the ruling party remains united and electorally strong ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“APC is solid. APC is united. And with the level of participation we are seeing, we are confident of winning the majority of seats across the country,” he said.
The APC has continued its nationwide sale and submission of forms as it prepares for its primaries, with party officials projecting a highly competitive process driven by what they describe as unprecedented grassroots mobilization.
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