“Don’t Use Your INEC Experience to Manipulate Elections” — ADC Warns New APC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended a cautious message of congratulations to the newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, warning him not to leverage his previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to influence Nigeria’s electoral system in favour of the ruling party.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged Yilwatda’s credentials in electoral administration but called for a firm commitment to neutrality and democratic principles. “We take note of Professor Yilwatda’s previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner. This is no small credential. 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, as has often been the case under the APC’s watch,” the party said.

The ADC also expressed concern over the APC’s decision to hold the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting—during which Yilwatda’s appointment was ratified—within the State House. Describing the move as an “aberration,” the opposition party criticised it as a troubling overlap between party activities and state functions. “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,” the statement read.

Calling for a shift in leadership style within the APC, the ADC described Yilwatda’s appointment as an opportunity for the party to move away from what it termed “a legacy of propaganda, impunity, and intolerance.” The party expressed hope that the new chairman’s leadership would usher in greater respect for opposition voices, democratic norms, and institutional boundaries.

“We are hopeful that 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 ADC said. It concluded with a pointed message of goodwill: “We pray for Professor Yilwatda that may his tenure be longer than those of his predecessors and his exit more honourable.”