The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said party members are free to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidency, describing it as proof of the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Yilwatda spoke on Wednesday after inspecting the ongoing sale of expression of interest and nomination forms at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
According to him, aspirants are openly purchasing forms to contest for different elective positions, including offices currently occupied by governors, senators and even the president.
“Individuals are picking forms to contest at all levels, including the presidency. This demonstrates the level of internal democracy within our party,” he said.
He noted that the willingness of party members to seek elective positions at every level showed that the APC remained widely accepted and structurally strong.
Yilwatda added that the process had so far been smooth, with no complaints recorded from aspirants or party stakeholders involved in the exercise.
He explained that banks handling payments, party officials processing clearances and administrative units issuing receipts had all worked efficiently without disruption.
“The banks are processing payments, our staff are handling clearances, and receipts are being issued without issues. We have also monitored feedback channels, including social media, and have not observed any complaints,” he stated.
The APC chairman described the ongoing form sales as a reflection of the party’s organisational strength and confidence in its internal processes, expressing optimism that the nomination stage would also proceed without difficulty.
He stressed that inclusion remained one of the founding principles of the APC, adding that the broad participation by aspirants reflected that commitment.
“Inclusion is central to our party, and what we are witnessing here reflects that commitment,” he said.
On whether the deadline for purchasing nomination forms would be extended, Yilwatda said no such decision had been taken, noting that any extension would require approval from the party’s National Working Committee.
“For now, there is no extension. Any decision on that will be made by the appropriate party organ,” he added.
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