APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Appeals for Unity, Takes Responsibility for Primary Errors

During the official launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Office in Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the party's National Chairman, on Thursday issued an apology to members who felt wronged during previous internal primaries. He explicitly stated that the National Working Committee accepts full responsibility for any such actions.

Professor Yilwatda urged disgruntled members who might have felt hurt, excluded, or prevented from participating in any capacity to pardon the party. He stressed the importance of maintaining unity as the 2027 general elections draw closer. The APC national chairman clarified that this accountability extends beyond Oyo State, explaining, “The responsibility extended beyond Oyo State. The committee that conducted the party’s primaries was constituted by the national leadership and, therefore, any mistake committed by it amounted to a mistake by the party.”

He continued, “This is not for Oyo State alone. Anywhere anybody made a mistake in a state, it is our mistake because the committee was set up by us and they are representing us. If anybody is hurt, if anybody is injured, if anybody is prevented or excluded in any form or the other, we take responsibility. On TV, before Nigerians, we take responsibility for all that has happened. I appeal to everybody that we are sorry.” The chairman further implored party faithful at all levels—polling units, wards, and local government areas nationwide—to view these issues as internal family matters.

Professor Yilwatda reaffirmed the APC's serious commitment to Oyo State, highlighting its strategic significance and substantial voting population, which is second only to Lagos. Speaking at the event, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate for Oyo State and representative of Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, lauded Chairman Yilwatda. Alli praised the national chairman for fulfilling promises made to the state within just two days.

Senator Alli expressed gratitude for Yilwatda's presence and for honoring the invitation to meet with governorship aspirants and other key stakeholders. He noted, “The achievements recorded within the period surpassed what the stakeholders had been able to accomplish.” Alli added, “The promises made when the national chairman invited the aspirants had now been fulfilled. We cannot thank you enough for what you have come to do. What you have achieved successfully in two days, we have not been able to accomplish.” He then assured Professor Yilwatda that the party in Oyo State would continue to uphold its responsibilities. The PUNCH previously reported that some aggrieved governorship aspirants in the state had voiced strong objections, alleging that the party's candidate was imposed on them.