The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged the party’s Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the shortcomings of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it prepares to seek another term for the president in 2027.
Yilwatda gave the charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the council at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he called for a campaign that combines the government’s achievements with an honest account of the difficulties Nigerians continue to face.
“We have made so much progress but must acknowledge where we have challenges while explaining the objectives, progress and continuing work of the administration,” he said.
He maintained that the APC must approach the election with a clear account of its performance, a realistic appraisal of unresolved problems and a convincing plan for the country’s future.
According to him, the party believes Tinubu deserves another opportunity to implement his policies and pursue his development agenda.
Yilwatda, however, said the campaign council must provide evidence to support the administration’s claims and explain what Nigerians could expect if the president secured another mandate.
He identified the rising cost of living, insecurity, employment, education, healthcare, agricultural output and access to economic opportunities as critical issues the campaign must address.
The APC chairman urged campaign officials to go beyond presenting the administration’s achievements by explaining how its policies would improve living conditions and responding to the concerns raised by citizens.
He also called on the council to pay attention to public expectations, stressing that the campaign must demonstrate an understanding of the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
On the administration’s economic policies, Yilwatda said the government had introduced reforms intended to address longstanding weaknesses in the economy and create conditions for sustainable growth.
He tasked the campaign council with explaining the relevance of ongoing and completed infrastructure projects, including road construction, electricity generation, gas development, railway expansion, ports, agricultural facilities and digital connectivity.
He argued that such investments should be presented in terms of their potential contributions to business activities, employment, productivity and national development.
“Our responsibility is to explain clearly what has been completed, what is progressing and what remains to be done.
“We must show Nigerians how these investments and reforms can translate into practical improvements in their daily lives,” he said.
Yilwatda also cautioned against turning the election into a hostile confrontation with opposition parties, recognising their place in the democratic process.
He said the APC should concentrate on defending its record and presenting its policies rather than disregarding the importance of a credible electoral process.
“The APC will present its case with confidence, defend its record with facts and trust Nigerians to make their choice through a credible democratic process,” he said.
The party chairman further emphasised that the campaign’s success would depend on effective collaboration across the APC’s organisational structure, from its national leadership to state, local government and ward officials.
He said the campaign council must establish clear responsibilities and ensure that governors, lawmakers, party leaders and campaign officers worked towards a common objective.
Yilwatda also called for greater involvement of women in campaign leadership and activities, stressing that their participation should be meaningful.
He urged the party to build stronger relationships with young Nigerians by involving them in discussions about the country’s future instead of engaging them only during election periods.
On inclusion, he said campaign activities must accommodate persons with disabilities, ensuring they could participate fully in the democratic process.
“No Nigerian should be made to feel that a disability diminishes their place in our democracy,” he said.
The APC chairman warned party members against allowing optimism about the election to weaken their preparations, saying victory would depend on sustained effort and the ability to earn public confidence.
“Confidence is not complacency. It is the determination to prepare thoroughly, work together and earn the trust of the people,” he said.
He added that the party’s National Working Committee would cooperate with the campaign council and other APC structures to coordinate preparations for the election.
“We have a vision to communicate, a future to build and the confidence of Nigerians to earn,” Yilwatda said.
The APC announced the composition of its Presidential Campaign Council on August 22, naming Tinubu as chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice chairman.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was named secretary. Yilwatda was also appointed an additional vice chairman.
Yari had announced that the party would begin its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24 before moving to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Maiduguri, Borno State.
The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Senior political officeholders at Wednesday’s inauguration included Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
2027: Admit We Failed Nigerians, APC Chairman Tells Campaign Council
