The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, have dismissed concerns over the decision of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

The APC leaders insisted that the opposition’s strategy would not affect the electoral fortunes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.

Speaking after a screening exercise at the party’s national headquarters, Uzodimma rejected suggestions that a Southern-zoned NDC candidate could split the President’s support base in the region.

Responding to questions on whether the NDC’s zoning decision posed a threat to the APC, Uzodimma pointed to the ruling party’s widespread political control across the country.

“The problem I have with the media is that you know the truth, yet you always want to dance around,” he said.

“In a country of 36 states, 31 are sufficiently and transparently members of the All Progressives Congress. Look at that proportion. Thirty-one states are already for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Uzodimma also questioned the strength and structure of the opposition party, asking: “First of all, this party that zoned the presidential ticket to the South — where is their head office?”

On whether the NDC’s decision could weaken the expected bloc votes for Tinubu from the South, Yilwatda said the development reflected divisions within the opposition rather than a challenge to the APC.

“Not at all. Why should we be afraid?” he asked.

“If you look at it now, the fight is not between APC and ADC or within our political party, but ADC versus NDC. We’ve been vindicated when people say that APC was fighting opposition. Now everybody has seen clearly that it is the opposition fighting themselves.”

The APC chairman also cited recent by-election outcomes as evidence of the opposition’s weak electoral performance.

“All the by-elections — ADC has won none. In other by-elections, NDC has won none. The major opposition we have is actually PDP, and even the PDP has not done very well in terms of electoral performance.

“Performance is not on TV, it is not on radio; it is in newspapers, it is on the field during elections,” he added.

Yilwatda further downplayed concerns over the recent defection of 17 federal lawmakers to the NDC, saying the figures were insignificant compared to the APC’s institutional strength nationwide.

“Who are the members? What number are you talking about? Seventeen legislators? We have over 400 legislators. Compared to 17, it is just a meagre number,” he stated.

Yilwatda maintained that the APC remains a “juggernaut” that is structurally superior to any rival.

“Thirty-one governors are still intact. We have over 600 local government chairmen. APC is the most prepared, most outstanding political party that right now can face anybody on earth. I have not seen a party that can give us a headache.”

The screening exercise itself saw a flurry of activity, though the absence of certain high-profile governors, particularly, Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State drew sharp inquiries from reporters.

The Chairman cautioned against “singling out” individuals, noting that administrative duties often take precedence.

“Why are you singling one governor out of many? He is not here, but the Governor of Kwara has not come also. So three governors have not come,” he clarified. “All of them have their excuses and reasons. We know they are chief executives of their states and have state issues to attend to.”

The Chairman extended an open invitation to the governors, affirming the party’s flexibility. “Governors are chief executives; they are commanders. Anytime you are free, you call the screening committee… you come at your will and convenience, and we will screen you.

Reflecting on his screening, Uzodimma described the process as a routine “family” affair.

“It was a very good exercise. APC is a family, and we know ourselves. Following the requirements of the party, I had to submit myself for proper screening… To the best of my knowledge, they are satisfied and I am eligible.”

Beyond the presidential discourse, the political atmosphere is also being shaped by discussions surrounding the leadership of the National Assembly. With new rules appearing to favor experienced legislators for presiding officer roles, Uzodimma maintained a “party-first” stance regarding his own move toward the Red Chamber.

“My ambition is to go to the Senate to represent my people. We don’t ask for leadership from the grassroots. When I get to the Senate, whatever rules that we meet, we will follow the rules,” he concluded.

Some of the high-profile governorship aspirants that appeared for screening include Obafemi Hamzat, (Lagos), Fatai Yahaya (Kwara), Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), Pastor Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Senator. Salihu Mustapha (Kwara), Mascot Uzor-Kalu (Abia), Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, David Sabo Kente (Taraba), Dr. Bakari Girei (Adamawa), Hon. Mai Mala Buni, Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Sani Pantami (Gombe), Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo), Senator Adeola Olamilekan (Ogun), Dr. Salihu Mustapha (Adamawa)

The results of the screening exercise which ends by midnight today (Sunday) is expected to be released within the next 48 hours. (The Nation)

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