APC has machinery to resolve post-primary crisis – Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has said the party already has systems in place to settle disagreements that may come up after its primary elections.

He spoke after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the President’s residence in Lagos on Wednesday.

Yilwatda said the APC has conflict resolution committees that will help reconcile unhappy members and prevent crises before the 2027 general elections.

According to him, it is normal for some aspirants to feel disappointed after losing elections, but the party will begin an early reconciliation process to keep members united ahead of campaigns.

He described the ongoing APC primaries as the most competitive in Nigeria’s history, saying thousands of people are contesting for a limited number of positions because of the party’s growing popularity across the country.

He also said the primaries have been mostly peaceful and organised, despite a few complaints from some aspirants.

On concerns about consensus candidates, Yilwatda explained that the party followed its rules. He said where consensus fails, the party conducts direct primaries.

He added that aspirants involved in consensus arrangements must sign forms agreeing to step down for chosen candidates.

Speaking about President Tinubu’s reaction, Yilwatda said the President was impressed with the conduct of the primaries, especially the logistics and the low number of incidents recorded nationwide.

He noted that this is the first time the APC is organising direct primaries across the country on such a large scale, with result sheets and logistics similar to those used by INEC.

Yilwatda also thanked Tinubu for supporting the party’s National Working Committee and backing efforts to enforce party rules.