The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has attributed the party’s growing membership base and electoral strength to its solid internal structures, technology-driven membership system, and commitment to transparent administration.
Speaking at a public presentation in Abuja, Yilwatda said the APC’s adoption of electronic registration has significantly enhanced the party’s organization, coordination, and grassroots mobilisation nationwide.
According to him, in a statement from his Special Adviser Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the digital membership register provides accurate and verifiable data, including members’ locations and contact details, enabling the party to communicate effectively, mobilise efficiently, and plan strategically during elections.
“Our electronic registration gives us real-time access to our members. We know who they are, where they live, and how to reach them. This allows us to mobilise efficiently and conduct more credible primaries,” he said.
He disclosed that the APC has integrated its membership database with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to validate records, eliminate duplication, and strengthen internal accountability.
Addressing the ongoing debate on direct and indirect primaries, the APC chairman clarified that while direct primaries promote broader participation and give members a stronger sense of belonging, they also present operational challenges if not properly managed.
He warned that poorly supervised direct primaries could create room for manipulation and what he described as the “colonisation” of delegates, thereby undermining free choice.
“This is why Nigerians should carefully interrogate why almost all political parties tend to favour indirect primaries,” he stated. “The key issue is not just the method adopted, but the integrity of the process.”
Yilwatda emphasized that the APC remains flexible and has successfully conducted primaries through consensus, direct, and indirect methods, depending on what best promotes party unity and internal democracy.
He noted that the party has achieved consensus outcomes in several states without post-primary litigation — a feat he described as rare in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“We have had instances where all aspirants agreed on a single candidate through consensus without ending up in court. Even our presidential primaries were conducted using the direct method,” he added.
On concerns that the influx of defectors into the APC could lead to a one-party state, Yilwatda dismissed such claims, describing the trend as a natural consequence of political competition.
According to him, politicians are gravitating toward the APC because of its organisational strength and governance record.
“Many of those parties are already weakening. Their members want political relevance and survival, and they see the APC as the most organised platform. Just like in a market, people choose what works best,” he said.
He observed that members of opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have continued to join the APC because of its structure and leadership stability.
The APC currently controls about 31 state governments and maintains a dominant majority in the National Assembly — a position Yilwatda said reflects voter confidence rather than coercion.
On party financing, the APC chairman maintained that the party is owned and sustained by its members.
“APC belongs to its members. That is why we do not operate a Board of Trustees structure. Our members fund the party through dues and legitimate contributions, which gives them a real sense of ownership,” he stated.
Professor Yilwatda reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy, improving transparency, and deepening Nigeria’s electoral system.
He described the APC as a model of effective political organisation, driven by strong structures, technological innovation, and accountable leadership.
