The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed as “baseless, misleading, and pure fiction” allegations that he is actively preventing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from joining the party.
Professor Yilwatda’s reaction follows a statement by a group called the Youths Political Movement of Nigeria (YPMN), which alleged he refused to open the APC membership register to block the governors and other high-profile defectors.
The APC Chairman denied the claims, stating that the allegation was deliberately crafted to undermine his commitment to broad-based political inclusion.
He highlighted that since taking office in July 2025, his leadership has overseen the registration of more than 500,000 new members nationwide through a combined ward-based and digital mobilization process.
Yilwatda argued that the idea of him deliberately restricting high-profile entrants runs completely contrary to his philosophy of expanding the party’s base to strengthen President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
He emphasized that neither he nor the National Working Committee (NWC) has issued any directive to prevent Governors Mutfwang or Adeleke from joining.
On the contrary, he said discussions with the governors have been “cordial and constructive,” and all necessary frameworks for their “smooth and dignified integration” are fully active.
The APC leadership suggested the allegation is part of a coordinated campaign to sow internal mistrust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement read: “His actions – supervising defection ceremonies, deploying mobilisation teams nationwide, and expanding the digital register – speak louder than any propaganda.
“The APC notes that this allegation is the latest in a series of sponsored attacks targeting the National Chairman’s integrity and strategic leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. These coordinated attempts to sow mistrust are being pushed by fringe elements with questionable ties to the party.
“Their intention is to create the false impression of internal division and obstruct the Chairman’s ongoing reforms. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda is not blocking anyone; the doors of the APC remain open, active, and welcoming.”
Yilwatda urged the public and party members to disregard such distractions, emphasizing that the APC remains united and committed to accommodating all Nigerians of goodwill.
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