April 15, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday drew a firm red line against the rising wave of defections into its fold, declaring that new entrants will not be allowed to hijack or take control of the party’s leadership structures.
This position was articulated by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentewe Yilwatda, while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, where concerns over the growing influx of defectors and its implications for internal stability took centre stage.
Addressing anxieties among long-standing members, Yilwatda drew a clear distinction between legacy members who built the party and recent defectors, stressing that while the APC remains open to expansion, it would not permit opportunistic takeovers.
“This is a home that we built. If the house was not built, nobody would come. So nobody should come as a warrior and take over,” he said.
The statement underscores a decisive effort by the party leadership to protect its foundational structure while managing the political consequences of increasing defections from opposition parties.
To balance competing interests, Yilwatda disclosed that the APC has adopted a structured power-sharing arrangement designed to ensure inclusiveness without undermining existing leadership frameworks. According to him, the arrangement guarantees that both legacy members and defectors are fairly accommodated.
“We must have everybody included; there will be a sharing formula that will ensure that all members of the legacy group and defectors are properly carried along,” he stated.
In a move to curb indiscriminate crossovers and enforce discipline, the APC chairman announced strict conditions for defectors seeking executive positions within the party.
He said such individuals must present formal resignation letters from their former parties, along with evidence that their resignations were duly accepted by their previous party leadership.
“If you are in opposition, you must give a resignation letter and show evidence of resignation and acceptance of your resignation by your former party chairman,” he said.
He further reiterated the party’s constitutional provision on tenure limits, emphasising that no member would be allowed to occupy the same office for more than eight consecutive years, a measure aimed at preventing the concentration of power.
On the contentious issue of party structure in the FCT, Yilwatda confirmed the work of a committee chaired by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, noting that the panel had successfully carried out zoning arrangements for the territory.
He described members of the committee as bona fide party loyalists and maintained that their recommendations had been implemented without deviation. According to him, the process has so far been widely accepted, with no formal complaints of marginalisation from party members.
Yilwatda also outlined a five-dimensional inclusion framework guiding the APC’s structure in the FCT.
This, he said, includes deliberate gender inclusion, ensuring women occupy substantive executive roles rather than symbolic positions, as well as equitable geopolitical representation across Nigeria’s six zones.
Other components of the framework include the recognition of indigenous communities in the FCT and active youth participation in party leadership, reflecting what he described as a holistic approach to political organisation.
Reinforcing his leadership philosophy, Yilwatda stressed that inclusion remains a non-negotiable principle within the APC, noting that the party’s diversity is central to its strength and national appeal.
“I am chairing this party because of inclusion. If there is no inclusion, I can’t be here because my tribe is only found in two local governments of this country. I am a minority,” he said.
He further highlighted the role of women as critical stakeholders in the political process, urging that they be recognised not only as mobilisers during elections but as key contributors to governance and decision-making.
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