Convention: APC National Chairman Yilwatda Cleared, Thrills With Screening Exercise
By Raphael Ekpang
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has officially endorsed the screening exercise for the upcoming national convention after being cleared by the party’s Aspirants’ Screening Committee on Tuesday, March 24.
Yilwatda appeared before the panel at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he was asked to “take a bow” in recognition of his leadership following a thorough review of his records and contributions to the party. The screening committee was chaired by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Addressing reporters afterward, Yilwatda commended the party’s transparent and organized processes. “In the APC, everybody is subject to the system. The system now prevails over individuals,” he said, contrasting APC’s stability with the frequent disputes in opposition parties.
He credited governors, lawmakers, and party members nationwide for supporting his leadership over the past eight months, describing recent gains as a collective effort that has strengthened the party.
Highlighting the youth-driven nature of APC, Yilwatda noted that about 50 percent of the party’s membership is aged between 18 and 35, while only 18 percent are over 50. “This shows we are the most youthful party in the country, and the future belongs to the APC,” he said, adding that the party has produced some of Nigeria’s youngest elected lawmakers.
On inclusivity, he pointed to ongoing efforts to boost women’s participation, noting the enforcement of a 35 percent affirmative action quota in party structures, including the convention committee.
Yilwatda also emphasized APC’s national dominance, citing recent by-election victories across Kano, Zaria, Adamawa, the South-West, South-South, and South-East. “No other political party has achieved this in the past year,” he said.
He praised the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism, noting that congress-related issues are largely resolved through arbitration rather than litigation. “From local government to state and zonal congresses, we have not had a single court case. That shows our members believe in the system,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment, Yilwatda pledged to consolidate APC’s achievements if re-elected, stressing that the party prioritizes committed membership over political alliances. “We don’t believe in ‘friends of the party’; we believe in members of the party, with clear obligations and responsibilities,” he said.
