‘ADC No Match for APC’ — Nentawe Yilwatda Dismisses Opposition Coalition, Denies Forcing Civil Servants to Join Party

APC chairman says ruling party remains dominant ahead of 2027, challenges critics to produce proof of alleged coercion.

Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brushed aside the growing opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring it no threat to the party’s political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he downplayed the strength of the ADC and some of the prominent political figures linked to the coalition.

Yilwatda argued that the APC remains the “party to beat,” citing what he described as continued defections from opposition camps as evidence of the ruling party’s expanding influence across the country.

‘ADC is not a match at all’

Responding to questions about the opposition’s alignment of political heavyweights — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal and Rauf Aregbesola — the APC chairman insisted the coalition does not pose any real challenge.

“ADC is not a match at all (for the APC). For every one person they have, we have five, six of them,” Yilwatda said.

He dismissed suggestions that the APC was unsettled by the formation of the coalition, maintaining that the party’s strength lies in voluntary support from Nigerians rather than political desperation.

Denial over civil servant allegations

Yilwatda also addressed allegations that civil servants are being pressured to join the APC, firmly denying any such action by the party.

“We have never asked anybody, we have never appealed to any civil servant. Nobody has forced any civil servant in a letter, verbal — bring one video to that effect and I will apologise,” he stated.

He challenged critics to provide concrete evidence to support the claims, suggesting that such accusations may be politically motivated.

APC’s numerical advantage

The APC chairman stressed that the ruling party’s strength is reflected in its numbers nationwide, contrasting it with what he described as the relatively weak structure of the ADC.

According to him, the APC’s growth is organic and driven by Nigerians who are choosing to align with the party without coercion or inducement.

With political realignments gradually shaping the path toward 2027, Yilwatda’s comments signal the APC’s confidence as opposition figures attempt to build a united front capable of challenging the ruling party.