Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the party has over 13 million registered members, approaching 14 million, with about 50 percent between the ages of 18 and 35. He described the APC as the most youthful political party in Nigeria, noting that 82 percent of its membership consists of individuals aged 18 to 50. Yilwatda highlighted recent electoral successes, including winning five out of six seats in the FCT elections and securing over 80 percent of councillorship positions, with the PDP capturing about 18 percent. He claimed the APC has won by-elections in all six geopolitical zones, including areas traditionally seen as opposition strongholds.
Yilwatda stated that the APC invited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to audit its operations, with INEC officials visiting the party's national headquarters on Thursday of the reported week. The party submitted audited accounts to INEC the previous month and is awaiting feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses. Internal democracy, transparency, and technology adoption in membership registration and verification were cited as key priorities. The party has established conflict resolution mechanisms to address disputes during congresses, working in tandem with similar structures in the presidency and National Assembly. Yilwatda noted that while governors and members of other parties continue to join the APC, the party advises its members to carefully manage the integration of defectors. He emphasized inclusive leadership, urging that youth and women be included not just as leaders of youth and women's wings but as full members of party leadership at all levels.
The APC claims to be a party of youth and the future, yet its leadership structure remains anchored in consensus appointments rather than youth-driven elections. With 50 percent of its members aged 18 to 35, the party offers no data on how many hold decision-making roles. If the youth are truly driving the party, their influence should be visible in leadership, not just in membership numbers.
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