APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Vows to Protect Legacy Members from Political Defector "Warriors"

APC Chairman Yilwatda assures legacy members of protection against defectors and outlines a new power-sharing formula for FCT leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vanguard News

Safeguarding the "Foundational Home" of the APC

In a strategic move to quell internal anxieties, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has issued a stern warning against the displacement of "legacy members" by recent defectors from opposition parties. Following a closed-door session with Federal Capital Territory stakeholders, Yilwatda used a building analogy to describe the party's current status, stating that those who built the "home" should not be pushed out by those who arrived only after it was established. He insisted that while the party remains open to new members, no one should enter the APC as a "warrior" intending to seize established leadership roles. This assurance is seen as a mechanical necessity to maintain organizational loyalty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Five-Dimensional Sharing Formula

To operationalize this protection, the Chairman outlined a comprehensive power-sharing framework designed for the FCT party structure. This formula includes five key pillars: gender inclusion, geopolitical representation, recognition of indigenous tribes, youth engagement, and the balancing of legacy versus defector interests. Notably, Yilwatda emphasized that gender inclusion must move beyond the traditional "women leader" titles, advocating for women to hold substantive executive positions. He confirmed that a committee, chaired by Minister Zephaniah Jisalo, has already begun zoning the FCT APC structure according to these inclusive guidelines to ensure no group feels marginalized.

Strict Resignation Protocols for New Entrants

The Chairman also clarified the constitutional requirements for opposition members seeking executive roles within the APC. To prevent "double loyalty," defectors must produce formal resignation letters that have been accepted by their former party chairmen. This administrative hurdle is intended to ensure that new members are fully committed to the APC's ideology before they can contest for leadership positions. Additionally, Yilwatda reiterated the party's stance on tenure, noting that any member who has served eight consecutive years in a specific office must either step down or move to a different role, facilitating fresh leadership cycles.