APC Leadership Affirms Commitment to Current NWC Members
Adedayo Akinwale reports from Abuja.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yurwatoda, recently affirmed the ruling party’s support for its current members of the National Working Committee (NWC). He emphasized that while the party has a strong commitment to its members, it does not engage in favoritism.
Speaking in Abuja after undergoing review by a vetting committee, Yurwatoda stated that the party has an obligation to respect both its institutional structure and its individual members. This review comes ahead of the upcoming national convention scheduled for Tuesday and Saturday.
In a strategic move to maintain stability within the party, the APC has chosen to retain its current NWC members, most of whom will likely face little to no opposition in the upcoming elections. This decision has been confirmed by sources within the party, highlighting a desire to prevent any potential collapse.
Yurwatoda underscored the importance of the party’s operational system, asserting that everyone plays a vital role within it. He praised the review committee for cultivating a belief in this system and ensuring prioritization of individual contributions.
In contrast to rival political parties, which often experience internal discord, Yurwatoda noted that the APC’s convention committee has maintained a unified front. He credited the party’s growth to collective efforts, including outreach to leaders who have rejoined the APC.
Focus on Youth Engagement and Technology
The Chairman emphasized the significant role of technology in the party’s development. He highlighted that recent membership registration efforts have provided a data-driven perspective on the APC’s demographic composition. Remarkably, 50% of party members are aged between 18 and 35, positioning the APC as the most youth-centric political entity in Nigeria.
This youthful representation is reflected in the registry of elected officials as well, with several members in their 30s and early 40s leading in key legislative positions. Yurwatoda pointed out that these statistics demonstrate APC’s commitment to inclusivity, surpassing other parties in Nigeria.
Strength and Reach of the Party
Yurwatoda further asserted that the APC stands as the only political party with representation across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. He noted that the party has consistently won elections across these districts, showcasing its robust presence and electoral strength.
He elaborated that APC has not faced significant legal challenges, with most issues resolved through internal arbitration rather than court disputes. This, he argued, exemplifies the party’s operational integrity and the trust its members have in its processes.
Commitment to Party Unity and Fairness
Deputy National Organization Secretary, Nze Duru, clarified that Friday’s party conference was not merely a ceremonial event but a consensus-building exercise aimed at fostering unity. He acknowledged that while disagreements may occur, the party’s mechanisms ensure a smooth functioning of leadership without factionalism.
Senator Ajibola Bashir, the party’s national secretary, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since taking over leadership in August 2023. He highlighted the importance of fair representation and unity within the party, noting an impressive increase in membership, which now stands at around 12 million.
Bashir emphasized the necessity for a functioning secretariat to handle party activities effectively and pointed to ongoing efforts to activate the National Advisory Committee immediately after the convention. These initiatives are crucial for advancing electoral engagement and consolidating democratic processes within the APC.
