APC Will Win Osun, Opposition Can’t Match Our Structure, Says Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the ruling party is on course to win the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, insisting that no opposition party currently matches the APC’s nationwide structure, grassroots mobilisation, and internal cohesion.

Speaking on the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections in a Channels Television programme, Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, on Tuesday, Yilwatda said the APC’s internal polls point to victory in Osun.

“Our polls show we are going to win the Osun election,” he said.

The APC chairman also took a swipe at opposition parties, questioning their level of political engagement nationwide.

“Must we lose an election before democracy is celebrated? We organise more rallies. How many times do you see the NDC or ADC holding rallies in the states? Apart from TV shows, press conferences and interviews, we go round the states almost every day. We’ve inaugurated our Osun National Campaign Council. Where do you see the National Campaign Council of the other parties?” he asked.

Defending the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Yilwatda argued that Christians have not been sidelined under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing key appointments occupied by Christians and insisting that many Christian communities are satisfied with the government’s inclusiveness.

He also boasted about the APC’s ability to attract opposition figures, saying he has personally visited the homes of prominent ADC and NDC politicians to persuade them to join the ruling party.

“You see me visiting high-profile ADC and NDC politicians. Tell me one time you’ve seen Peter Obi, Atiku, or any opposition party chairman visit an APC member’s home to ask them to join their party,” he said.

Yilwatda further argued that the APC was not responsible for the movement across political parties, adding that the ruling party remains strong in governance, electioneering, and crisis management despite internal disagreements.

“In terms of governance, the APC is doing very well. In terms of structure to win elections, the APC is doing very well. In terms of managing crises within the party, we have done very well. We are not perfect, but we know how to resolve our internal issues,” he said.