ADC Congratulates Newly Appointed APC National Chairman, Warns Against One-Party Rule
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his appointment as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while warning the ruling party against tendencies that suggest a drift towards one-party dominance in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the emergence of Yilwatda as the fourth APC chairman in two years presents another opportunity for the ruling party to return to the ideals of participatory democracy and political tolerance.
Abdullahi noted that while leadership changes are routine in politics, the ADC remains cautiously optimistic that Yilwatda’s appointment may signal a shift in both tone and approach from the ruling party, particularly in how it conducts its affairs and relates with the opposition.
“We at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) extend our congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his appointment as the new Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We hope this particular appointment might trigger a shift in tone, temperament, and trajectory for a party that has too often equated governance with propaganda, and power with impunity,” the statement read in part.
The opposition party further charged the new APC helmsman to show greater tolerance for divergent views, warning that in a democracy, disagreement should not be misconstrued as sabotage, and constructive criticism must not be treated as subversion.
The ADC, however, expressed dismay over the venue of the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where Yilwatda was elected, which was held at the State House in Abuja. It described the action as a gross violation of democratic norms and a worrying sign of the blurring line between party and state.
“The decision of the ruling party to host its party meeting at the seat of government is an aberration that underlines how far this government has strayed from the foundational norms of democratic accountability. We urge the new Chairman to guide his party towards respecting the line — now dangerously blurred — between party and state,” the ADC stated.
The party also reminded the APC and its new chairman of Yilwatda’s previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, describing it as a serious credential that should come with heightened responsibility and a commitment to electoral integrity.
“It comes with a deep understanding of electoral ethics, neutrality, and public trust. We sincerely hope he will draw on this experience to promote the sanctity of our electoral processes, rather than using insider knowledge to game the system in favour of his party,” the statement added.
Concluding, the ADC prayed that Yilwatda’s tenure would be longer and more honourable than those of his predecessors, urging him to use the opportunity to steer the APC away from authoritarian tendencies and build a truly democratic legacy.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
