Prominent Opposition Politicians Set to Join APC – Prof. Yilwatda

By Morris Nor// The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has revealed that several prominent members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties are set to defect to the ruling APC in the coming days.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at Crest Hotel, Jos, Plateau State, Yilwatda said the party remains strong, united, and open to new members. He disclosed that notable political figures from the ADC will be formally received into the APC next week, adding that more senators, governors, and National Assembly members are also in advanced talks to join.

The APC Chairman, who had just returned from a meeting with party governors in Kebbi State, humorously assured members that the APC is “in perfect health.” He said, “We took the party to the lab in Kebbi – it came out clean!”

Yilwatda expressed appreciation to members for their solidarity during his late mother’s burial and commended their resilience after past legal setbacks, saying what many thought was the end of APC in Plateau has become a new beginning of growth and unity.

Welcoming returnees from the PDP, Labour Party, PRP, and others, Yilwatda described APC as a “home for all,” assuring newcomers of equal rights and privileges. “You don’t need to have been in APC from the beginning to rise. This is your home-your room, your bed, and your food are ready,” he said.

He urged members to remain steadfast, claiming that some opposition figures enticing APC members were secretly seeking re-entry into the party. “Even those calling people to leave for PDP are contacting me privately, like Nicodemus, asking for a chance to return,” he remarked.

Yilwatda also announced that the party is organizing a major event tagged OPA Week, scheduled for October 30, 2025, where Vice President Kashim Shettima, several governors, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will officially welcome defectors. He described the forthcoming ceremony as another demonstration of APC’s growing strength on the Plateau.

In a related development, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, affirmed the party’s readiness to accommodate the growing wave of defectors. Speaking after the APC Governors’ Forum meeting in Birnin Kebbi, Otu attributed the influx of politicians into the APC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steady revival of Nigeria’s economy.

“People can now see a clear path of economic recovery and stability. The attraction is simple -President Tinubu is doing the right things,” he said, adding that APC remains the most formidable political platform in Nigeria, built on inclusiveness, fairness, and good governance.