The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice has watched with deep concern the sponsored, face-saving political blackmails being thrown at the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Specifically, we totally reject and condemn the recent press statement issued by a fragmented group operating under the guise of the “North-Central APC Forum,” demanding the resignation of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the recently concluded 2026 primary elections.
As an independent, non-aligned institutional observer of democratic processes in Nigeria, this Coalition states categorically that the call for the National Chairman’s resignation is malicious, unpatriotic, and a deliberate attempt to cause artificial instability within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Passing a Comprehensive Vote of Confidence on the 2026 APC Primaries
The Coalition, having monitored the trajectory of the legislative and gubernatorial primaries across the 36 states and the FCT, hereby passes an unreserved Vote of Confidence on the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Working Committee (NWC).
Contrary to the baseless allegations of bias and manipulation being peddled by disgruntled actors who lost out in fair contests, the 2026 APC primary elections stand out as some of the most transparent, rule-governed, and participatory internal party processes in Nigeria’s recent political history. The party leadership strictly adhered to the APC 2026 Primary Election Guidelines, ensuring that:
- Due process was maintained by directing election committees to collate and verify results transparently before NWC ratification.
- The internal party mechanisms—including the deployment of official Primary Election Appeal Committees—were fully operationalized to listen to genuine grievances without rancor.
Exposing the Hidden Motives of the “North-Central Forum”
It is laughing and highly hypocritical that a self-styled “North-Central Forum” is threatening court actions and issuing a cheap two-week ultimatum to a National Chairman who hails from their very own geopolitical zone. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda’s leadership has brought administrative sanity, youth inclusion, and intellectual depth to the ruling party since assuming office.
Those asking him to “resign or face court action” are nothing but political mercenaries sponsored by external forces and aggrieved bigwigs who failed to impose their preferred unpopular candidates on the grassroots. In a democracy, political tickets are won through popular appeal and grassroots mobilization at the local constituencies, not through administrative blackmail or media bullying at the National Secretariat in Abuja.
A Stern Warning Against Destabilization Ahead of 2027
The Coalition warns these disgruntled elements to immediately cease their asymmetric warfare against the National Chairman. The APC leadership is currently focused on consolidating the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the administration marks its historic three years of the Renewed Hope agenda.
We commend the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the authentic stakeholders of the party who have chosen institutional stability over personal egos. We urge Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to remain focused, undistracted, and resolute in his mission to reform the party layout. The civil society space and the teeming millions of progressive voters stand firmly behind his leadership.
Signed:
Comrade James Okoronkwo
National Coordinator, Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace.
