THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that political appointments after the 2027 general elections will be reserved exclusively for party members, ruling out roles for non-APC technocrats and professionals.
Yilwatda made the declaration on Tuesday night in Abuja during an event titled “Renewed Hope Promise Kept 2027: Meet and Greet North-West Mobilisation,” organised by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.
A video of his remarks circulated widely on social media yesterday, triggering strong reactions across political and civil society circles.
According to the APC chairman, governance is fundamentally political, and individuals appointed into government must actively participate in party activities and grassroots mobilisation.
He argued that political appointments should not be treated as technocratic roles detached from party loyalty.
“There is no vote called technocrats. Votes are what brought us here,” Yilwatda said, insisting that anyone given a political appointment automatically becomes a politician and must defend, explain, and promote government policies as part of the party’s agenda.
He maintained that he would firmly oppose the appointment of individuals unwilling to work openly for the APC, advising technocrats to function as consultants rather than government appointees.
He warned that a lack of political engagement by appointees could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the North-West, Yilwatda described the region as the APC’s electoral backbone, noting that it accounts for about 20 per cent of the party’s national membership.
He added that young people dominate the party in the region, with nearly half of registered members aged between 18 and 35.
Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, echoed the chairman’s stance, warning that individuals who do not contribute to party mobilisation should not benefit from political appointments.
She stressed that appointees must actively support the party that secured electoral victory.
The remarks have sparked debate among analysts, who warn that enforcing loyalty-based appointments could sideline experienced professionals currently serving in government despite limited partisan affiliation.
Some observers also pointed to potential tensions involving officials outside the APC, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Critics argue that excluding technocrats could disrupt governance continuity and undermine expertise-driven policymaking, noting that successive Nigerian administrations since 1999 have relied on non-partisan professionals for key roles.
In contrast, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would adopt a more inclusive approach if elected in 2027.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said appointments under a PDP government would be based on competence rather than party affiliation alone.
Political analysts have cautioned that prioritising loyalty over merit could weaken institutions, deepen patronage politics, and erode public trust.
They warned that blurring the line between governance and partisan politics risks turning public offices into permanent campaign structures.