Yilwatda Receives ADC, NDC Legislative Candidates from Five States, Defends Tinubu’s Northern Development Agenda
Says Infrastructure Projects, Economic Reforms Demonstrate Tinubu’s Commitment to National Unity
By Pan Afric Reporters
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has received House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from Taraba, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Plateau states into the ruling party, urging them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Yilwatda spoke while welcoming the defectors at an event marking their formal reception into the APC, where he defended the Federal Government’s development initiatives in Northern Nigeria and argued that the administration’s infrastructure investments and economic reforms were part of a broader effort to promote national unity and economic growth.
The APC chairman said Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to national cohesion through his political alliances across regional lines, recalling his support for political leaders from different parts of the country. He described the defectors’ decision as an opportunity to contribute to building a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
“I’m happy that you are coming to join us, because we can build a stronger Nigeria, a more united Nigeria, a Nigeria that will work for the prosperity of the common man on the street,” Yilwatda said.
Addressing criticisms that the Tinubu administration had neglected Northern Nigeria, the APC chairman cited ongoing road and rail projects, gas infrastructure and other investments across the region. He referenced the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maiduguri road corridors, alongside projects linking Kano to Daura, Sokoto to Kebbi and other locations.
He also highlighted the administration’s plans for gas infrastructure, arguing that increased gas availability could support electricity generation, fertiliser production and cheaper transportation through compressed natural gas. According to him, improved rail connections and inland container facilities could also expand trade opportunities for northern businesses and neighbouring landlocked countries.
On economic policy, Yilwatda criticised proposals to restore fuel subsidies, arguing that the financial implications could undermine capital projects and reverse progress in public investment. He maintained that the government’s reforms were intended to address inherited financial obligations and create more room for infrastructure development.
The APC chairman further argued that the administration had settled substantial outstanding obligations inherited from previous governments, including pension liabilities, debts to power-generation companies and payments owed to foreign airlines and investors. Argued that reversing current policies could place additional pressure on public finances and limit the government’s ability to sustain development programmes.
Yilwatda urged the new APC members to see their defection as more than a change of political platform, encouraging them to contribute to national development and political integration. He said the country needed to move forward with policies that promote economic growth, strengthen unity and create opportunities for younger generations.
The reception comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Princess Dr. Aslam Aliyu(Zamfara) Hon. Mohammed Dantine(NDC, Kaduna) and Prof. Murtala Yusuf ( ADC, Taraba state) leading the team.
The party has urged the new members to return to their communities and participate in its grassroots activities.
