Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is strongly positioned to secure a second term in office, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, stated yesterday.
Speaking at the APC Northwest Youth Mobilisation Meet-and-Greet in Abuja on Tuesday night, convened by Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Yilwatda highlighted growing youth support, policy delivery, party expansion, and data-driven mobilisation as key factors that could give the President an edge in the 2027 election.
Party leaders at the event insisted that, contrary to opposition narratives, the administration’s policy achievements are restoring public confidence and steering the country from decades of decline toward growth and stability.
Among those present were Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and members of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Northwest, led by Director Michael Massuan.
Yilwatda said President Tinubu’s performance, combined with expanding grassroots support, has made the APC “the largest political party in Africa,” noting its growing acceptance nationwide.
“Every day we receive more governors, National Assembly members, market women, farmers, and students,” he said.
He emphasized that young Nigerians are driving the party’s growth, adding: “The party belongs to the young people.” In the Northwest, 48 per cent of APC members are aged 18 to 35, while nationally, members aged 18–49 account for about 83 per cent of registered members.
The APC chairman also credited key social policies for strengthening public confidence, particularly the student loan scheme, which now provides support to nearly one million students, including N20,000 monthly stipends to reduce financial hardship and prevent school dropouts.
On healthcare and welfare, Yilwatda highlighted that over four million people, primarily farmers, traders, and rural artisans, have been enrolled in the health insurance scheme, while digital transfers have reached six million households in six months.
He further noted that the party’s electronic registration system allows for data-driven, targeted campaigning. “With this system, we can estimate our votes even before the election,” he said. “So far, we’ve recorded over three million members and aim to reach ten million.”
Urging loyalty, Yilwatda said, “This party is your biggest asset. The President is our biggest asset. Let us stand by this party.” He also reminded political appointees that, “Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician—there is no one called a technocrat.”
He praised Minister Goronyo for combining governance with effective party mobilisation.
Goronyo, the event convener and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the Northwest in 2023, commended President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership, noting that Nigerians would reward his “tenacity and commitment” in 2027. He highlighted major infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, Trans-Sahara Highway, and Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, which connect regions and stimulate economic growth.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said meaningful change requires both leaders and citizens to think creatively. He described President Tinubu as a leader “who has the youth at heart,” citing educational support, stipends, the Nigeria Youth Academy, and empowerment initiatives. He also announced plans to reform the NYSC to ensure participants acquire practical skills and post-service support.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, urged Northwest appointees to demonstrate loyalty and unity, cautioning against using “technocracy” as an excuse while benefiting from political appointments.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to youth members in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and outstanding performance.
