APC Chair: Defectors Won’t Override Legacy Members in Party Leadership

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentewe Yilwatda, has assured party loyalists that defectors will not be allowed to take over existing leadership structures.

Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting in the Federal Capital Territory, Yilwatda stressed that while new members are welcome, they will not displace those who built the party.

“It is a home that we built… nobody should come as a warrior and take over,” he said.

Power-Sharing Formula Proposed

He said the APC would implement a deliberate sharing formula to accommodate both legacy members and defectors.

“There will be a sharing formula that will ensure that all members… are properly carried along,” he said.

The chairman outlined key elements of the arrangement, including gender representation, inclusion of indigenous FCT communities, youth engagement, and equitable geopolitical distribution.

Committee Work, No Complaints

Yilwatda confirmed that a committee headed by Zephaniah Jisalo had handled zoning for the FCT APC, adding that its decisions had been widely accepted.

He said the party’s constitution would guide upcoming congresses, with strict enforcement of rules.

Conditions for Defectors

The APC chairman emphasised that defectors must formally resign from their previous parties before seeking leadership roles.

“You must give a resignation letter… and show evidence… accepted by your former party chairman,” he stated.

He also reiterated tenure limits, noting that members who have served eight consecutive years must step aside or seek other roles.

Commitment to Inclusion

Yilwatda described inclusion as fundamental to his leadership.

“If there is no inclusion, I can’t be here… I am a minority,” he said.

He added that women should not only be mobilisers during elections but must also be recognised as key contributors in governance and leadership.

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