The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended its felicitations to Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s fourth Chairman in two years.
However, in a statement released on Friday night, the ADC quickly pivoted from congratulations to a stern call for the ruling party to uphold democratic values and respect opposing viewpoints.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, expressed a ‘cautious optimism’ that the latest leadership change within the APC might usher in a new era of conduct and engagement, particularly concerning its interactions with opposition parties.
Abdullahi underscored his hope that Yilwatda’s tenure would bring about a notable shift in the APC’s demeanour.
He urged the ruling party and the federal government it controls to foster “greater tolerance for opposition voices and alternative viewpoints,” emphasising that in a democratic system, dissent is not inherently sabotage, nor is criticism an act of subversion.
Abdullahi called upon Yilwatda to leverage his extensive education and experience to enhance the democratic credentials of his party and its administration, which, he argued, has frequently exhibited intolerance and a perceived ambition to establish a one-party state.
A significant point of contention raised by Abdullahi was the decision to host the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that confirmed Yilwatda’s appointment within the State House.
He condemned this as an “aberration,” highlighting that the State House is a public institution funded by Nigerian citizens, not a party office or private residence.
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This practice, Abdullahi asserted, “underlines how far this government has strayed from the foundational norms of democratic accountability.”
He urged the new Chairman to guide the APC towards clearly distinguishing between party affairs and state functions.
Furthermore, he drew attention to Yilwatda’s prior role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Abdullahi noted that this background should equip him with a deep understanding of electoral ethics, neutrality, and public trust.
He voiced ADC’s sincere hope that he would draw upon this experience to promote the sanctity of Nigeria’s electoral processes, rather than employing insider knowledge to manipulate the system in favour of his party, as it claims has “often been the case under the APC’s watch.”
He offered a cautionary prayer for Yilwatda, expressing hope that his tenure would prove more enduring and his eventual departure more honourable than those of his predecessors.
