The All Progressives Congress (APC) States Assembly Forum (ASAF), comprising elected and serving members, has condemned those calling for the resignation of the new National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing them as hired detractors who are against the party and its progress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A group under the aegis of the APC Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN), at the weekend, issued the Chairman a two-week ultimatum to resign or face mass action, claiming that he has failed the leadership test.
The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Prince Danesi Momoh, alleged that the APC under Yilwatda’s leadership has continued to lose popularity daily, warning that this could make President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid more difficult.
Reacting to the call, ASAF, which outlined how it arrived at its position after reviewing the Chairman’s impressive start, dismissed the ultimatum.
ASAF, in a statement on Saturday by its Director General, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, dismissed the ultimatum and described the group as a faceless team hired by disgruntled enemies of the APC for a failed hatchet job.
Expressing his shock over the call, the ASAF DG regretted that the group has been blinded by sentiments, refusing to acknowledge and appreciate the giant strides the APC Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) have recorded within the few months he assumed office.
Dagogo, who described Yilwatda’s emergence as timely, emphasised that his humble beginning has helped to commence the needed repositioning of the APC ahead of the 2027 election.
While soliciting total support for the National Chairman and the NWC, ASAF explained that the few reforms introduced in the party have restored a sense of orderliness and belonging, noting that many previously aggrieved members across the states have shown willingness to return, following the Chairman’s good start.
“We at ASAF have keyed into the giant strides recorded by the Chairman and the NWC within the few months he assumed office, which has honestly repositioned the APC.
“His coming has healed several wounds, as we can see the mass return of our members who left before. The APC is now stronger, with high-profile defections into the party. One wonders whether these faceless groups are not seeing the achievements of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda or they have been blinded by unnecessary sentiments.”
ASAF expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his wise choice of Nentawe Yilwatda as the new Chairman, especially at a time the party was facing credibility challenges. It noted that Yilwatda has handled it perfectly.
It therefore called on all stakeholders to give the Chairman and the NWC the necessary support to lead the party to the desired victory in 2027.
The group also appreciated the party’s NWC for its support to the Chairman, stressing that such unwavering support has continued to strengthen the APC with its increased strength in both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as its overwhelming control of over 24 states in the country.
It also called on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to take the bold step of joining the APC now that the train is moving faster.
“We call on the Rivers State Governor to make the bold move and appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s gesture towards him. This train is moving faster and we believe that he should not be left out,” ASAF noted.