APC National Chairman Challenges Opposition to Compare Governance Records, Highlights Tinubu’s Infrastructure Projects, Economic Reforms and Student Loan Programme
By Headlinenews.News
Abuja, October 22, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the strongest contender for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other opposition figures cannot match his governance record, infrastructure investments and economic reforms.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, made the declaration while receiving members of the Forum of APC House of Representatives Aspirants, led by Danjuma Mohammed, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Yilwatda maintained that President Tinubu’s performance since assuming office in May 2023 provides a stronger foundation for re-election than the political records of his opponents.
He challenged supporters of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Donald Duke and Governor Seyi Makinde to undertake an objective comparison of their achievements with those of the President.
According to the APC chairman, the administration has demonstrated political courage in implementing difficult reforms while investing in infrastructure, education and economic diversification.
APC CHALLENGES ATIKU OVER INFRASTRUCTURE RECORD
Yilwatda questioned the infrastructure achievements of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during which Atiku served as Vice President.
He alleged that approximately ₦300 billion allocated to road construction during that administration produced insufficient visible results, challenging Atiku’s supporters to identify the major projects executed with the funds.
The allegation remains a political claim requiring independent verification against historical government expenditure and project records.
The APC chairman contrasted that period with ongoing infrastructure investments under President Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians should assess presidential candidates on demonstrated performance rather than political rhetoric.
TINUBU’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC REFORMS
Highlighting the administration’s development priorities, Yilwatda identified the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Trans-Saharan Highway among major infrastructure projects.
He also cited the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline as a strategic investment capable of strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity, electricity generation and energy security.
The pipeline is expected to support gas-based industries, fertiliser production and cleaner transportation alternatives, including compressed natural gas.
Although some projects originated under previous administrations, the APC chairman maintained that President Tinubu’s commitment to their implementation demonstrates continuity, political determination and long-term economic planning.
He argued that infrastructure development remains fundamental to attracting investment, creating employment and improving national productivity.
STUDENT LOANS: APC DEFENDS NELFUND
Yilwatda also defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant intervention designed to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Responding to opposition criticism of the programme’s ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance, the APC chairman drew upon his experience as a university lecturer.
He explained that relatively modest financial assistance could make a meaningful difference to students struggling with accommodation, transportation and basic educational expenses.
Yilwatda criticised political figures associated with expensive private universities who nevertheless questioned government efforts to provide affordable education financing.
He maintained that the student loan programme reflects the administration’s commitment to human capital development and greater educational opportunity.
FORMER PDP ASPIRANTS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
Meanwhile, members of the Forum of APC House of Representatives Aspirants pledged their support for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Danjuma Mohammed disclosed that the forum was originally established in 2022 by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants.
He explained that members initially mobilised support for Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, during the 2023 presidential election.
However, subsequent political developments encouraged several members to defect to the APC and support the Tinubu administration.
Mohammed stated that the forum draws membership from Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies and intends to strengthen grassroots mobilisation for the President’s re-election.
The group proposed nationwide political engagement programmes, campaign materials in major Nigerian languages and conferences across the six geopolitical zones.
Yilwatda welcomed the initiative and assured members of the party’s willingness to integrate them into its mobilisation structures.
2027: PERFORMANCE, NOT RHETORIC, WILL DETERMINE THE OUTCOME
The APC’s declaration comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
President Tinubu’s supporters point to infrastructure expansion, economic restructuring, education financing and institutional reforms as evidence of his administration’s commitment to national development.
Opposition parties, however, continue to question the government’s performance on inflation, household purchasing power, insecurity and the social consequences of economic reforms.
While incumbency, party organisation and expanding political alliances may strengthen the President’s electoral prospects, the final decision rests with Nigerian voters.
The APC maintains that President Tinubu possesses the experience, political structure and reform agenda necessary to consolidate progress beyond 2027.
Ultimately, the election will test competing records of leadership, the credibility of political alternatives and public confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
For Nigerians, the defining consideration should remain measurable performance, credible solutions and the capacity to translate reforms into improved living standards.
