APC primaries most competitive in Nigeria’s history — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the party’s recently concluded primaries as the “most competitive ever in the history of Nigeria,” citing massive participation and improved internal organisation across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Lagos, Yilwatda said the scale of participation reflected the APC’s growing popularity nationwide.

“You can see how competitive our party have turned out to be. In terms of just simple demand and supply. We have few positions and we have thousands of people who have come to vote for this motion across the country. The most competitive ever in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

The APC chairman commended party members and supporters for what he described as a disciplined and orderly primary process, noting that incidents of conflict and complaints were minimal.

“I also want to thank our supporters for the disciplined approach they’ve given these processes. It’s near rancour-free, very organised, little complaints. It’s usual for people to complain in election processes, but it’s near perfect,” Yilwatda stated.

Addressing concerns over disagreements in some states regarding consensus candidacies and direct primaries, the APC chairman maintained that the party’s guidelines clearly outline the procedures to be followed.

“Our guidelines on consensus are clear. Our guidelines on direct primaries are also clear. Where consensus doesn’t work, you go for direct primaries. That’s what people are doing across the states,” he said.

He explained that candidates involved in consensus arrangements are required to formally endorse agreed aspirants before the process is concluded.