The All Progressives Congress (APC) is developing guidelines for its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Yilwatda stated the party has over 13 million registered members, with 49.6 per cent aged between 18 and 35, making it the most youthful political party in Nigeria. He added that 82 per cent of the membership is between 18 and 50 years old, while those in his age bracket and older constitute only 18 per cent. The chairman highlighted recent electoral successes, including winning five out of six seats in the FCT elections and securing victories across all six geopolitical zones in by-elections. He noted that the APC is the only party with such nationwide presence, with defections from PDP, NNPP and APGA strengthening its membership, particularly in Kano. Yilwatda said the party is deepening internal democracy through technology-driven membership registration, verification and auditing. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) visited the APC national headquarters on Wednesday to review the party's audited accounts and operations, a process initiated by the party. He emphasized adherence to party laws during congresses, the use of internal conflict resolution mechanisms, and collaboration with the presidency and National Assembly to link party activities with governance.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda claims the APC is embracing transparency by inviting INEC to audit its operations, yet the same party has not clarified how it will prevent the imposition of candidates despite boasting about swelling membership and defections. The chairman's emphasis on youth and women in leadership contrasts with the influx of established politicians joining from other parties, raising questions about where real power will lie in the 2027 primaries. Nigerians under 35, who make up half the party's membership, may find their influence limited if top positions remain controlled by older defectors. The audit by INEC offers no guarantee of fairness if internal party structures still favour political heavyweights over grassroots members.
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