Tensions appear to be rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Central region following allegations made by a regional party group against the party’s national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda. The forum has accused the chairman of actions it claims are undermining unity and strategic political expansion within the party.
The concerns were made public in Abuja through a statement released by Saleh Zazzaga, who heads the APC North-Central Forum. In the statement, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership style of the national chairman, arguing that it has not met the expectations associated with the office.
Gossip News Now reports that the forum even expressed regret over its earlier advocacy that supported returning the party’s national chairmanship position to the North-Central region. According to the group, developments since the appointment have led them to rethink that position.
One of the central accusations raised by the forum relates to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who currently belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The group alleged that efforts aimed at persuading the governor to defect to the APC are being obstructed by Yilwatda.
The forum suggested that the alleged resistance stems from political interests linked to Plateau State politics. Members claim that the chairman may be concerned about his own political ambitions in the state, particularly ahead of future elections.
The statement also raised concerns about remarks attributed to Yilwatda in a video circulating online. In the clip, he was reportedly seen speaking in a church setting and referring to himself as representing Christians in the North-Central region. The forum described the comment as divisive and inconsistent with the inclusive ideals the APC claims to uphold.
In expressing its disappointment, the group stated that it had once strongly supported the return of the chairmanship position to the region but now felt compelled to apologise to national party leaders for that position. Those mentioned in the apology included President Bola Tinubu, former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and other senior party figures.
The forum also questioned Yilwatda’s political experience. According to its statement, he has not previously held elective positions at grassroots levels such as councillor or delegate, which the group believes is necessary exposure for someone occupying such a strategic leadership role.
Key Issues Raised by the Forum
The group outlined several concerns it believes have contributed to internal tensions within the party structure in the region:
- Alleged obstruction of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s possible defection from the PDP to the APC
- Accusations of promoting personal political interests within Plateau State
- Claims that religious references made by the chairman could deepen divisions
- Concerns over leadership capacity and ability to unify North-Central political stakeholders
The forum argued that these developments have created friction among party members and weakened efforts to strengthen the APC’s presence across the region.
Despite the criticism, the group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the party and President Tinubu in future elections. It stated that the North-Central zone remains determined to deliver significant electoral support during the 2027 presidential election.
The forum also acknowledged that the region currently holds important federal positions, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Attorney-General of the Federation, which it described as evidence that the area has not been politically sidelined.
However, the group urged the party to consider leadership changes during the APC’s proposed December 2025 national convention, suggesting that a different individual might better manage the responsibilities of national chairman. According to the forum, the position does not necessarily have to remain within the North-Central region.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal to Yilwatda to step aside if he intends to pursue future political ambitions in Plateau State, particularly a potential gubernatorial bid.
Commentary and Analysis
The dispute highlights ongoing internal power dynamics within major political parties in Nigeria, particularly as political actors begin positioning themselves for the next election cycle. Conflicts between regional stakeholders and national leadership are not uncommon, especially when questions of party expansion and political ambition intersect.
The allegations concerning Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s possible defection also illustrate how party realignments continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape. Political parties often seek to attract influential figures from rival parties as part of strategies to strengthen their electoral chances.
At the same time, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between personal ambition and party cohesion. For political parties aiming to maintain unity ahead of major elections, managing such internal disagreements will likely remain a critical challenge in the months ahead.
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