APC to Defectors: Join, But Don’t Expect Control – Yilwatda

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to reassure its longstanding members that recent defectors into the party will not be allowed to dominate or take over its internal structures. The assurance was given by Yilwatda, amid growing concerns over the increasing influx of politicians from rival parties.

Speaking during a party engagement, Yilwatda emphasized that while the APC remains open to welcoming new members, the integrity and structure of the party would be preserved. He stressed that legacy members; those who have built and sustained the party over the years, would not be sidelined in favour of newcomers.

The remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing a wave of defections, with politicians seeking new alignments ahead of future elections. This trend has sparked unease among core APC members, who fear that defectors could leverage their influence or resources to gain control of party leadership positions at various levels.

Yilwatda dismissed such concerns, stating that the party has established mechanisms to ensure fairness, continuity, and respect for loyalty. According to him, the APC leadership is committed to maintaining internal democracy while balancing inclusivity with recognition of long-standing contributions.

Political analysts note that managing the balance between accommodating defectors and protecting the interests of existing members remains a critical challenge for major parties in Nigeria. The APC’s reassurance appears aimed at preventing internal divisions and preserving unity as political realignments continue across the country.

The development underscores broader tensions within party politics, where defections often reshape power dynamics and test party cohesion. For the APC, maintaining trust among its base while expanding its membership will likely remain a key focus in the coming months.