Why BoT is not running APC affairs, by Yilwatda
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its decision not to operate a Board of Trustees (BoT) is driven by the need to strengthen internal democracy, accountability and member
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its decision not to operate a Board of Trustees (BoT) is driven by the need to strengthen internal democracy, accountability and member ownership, rather than concentrate authority in a few unelected party elders.
The National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, stated this during a public presentation in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda explained that the party’s structure is designed to ensure that it is owned, funded and driven directly by its registered members, thereby promoting inclusivity and collective control.
According to him, “APC belongs to its members. That is why we do not have a Board of Trustees. Our members fund the party through dues and legitimate contributions, and that gives them true ownership and control of party affairs.”
He added that the party’s institutional framework is further strengthened by its technology-driven membership system.
Yilwatda noted that the adoption of electronic registration has enhanced transparency, improved credibility and facilitated effective mobilisation across the country.
“Our electronic registration gives us real-time access to our members. We know who they are, where they live, and how to reach them. This allows us to mobilise efficiently and conduct credible primaries,” Yilwatda stated.
Shedding light on the recently concluded party’s e-registration exercise, Yilwatda said the party has linked its membership register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to clean and validate its database, eliminate duplication, and strengthen internal accountability.
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Commenting on the festering debate on direct and indirect primaries, the APC Chairman called for caution, arguing that while direct primary promote participation and a sense of belonging among members, he noted that it also come with risks if not properly managed.
“Direct primaries can be manipulated, and delegates can be colonized, which defeats the essence of democracy. The real issue is not the method but the integrity of the process,” he said.
The Chairman maintained that the APC remains flexible in its approach, having successfully conducted consensus, direct, and indirect primaries depending on what best promotes party unity and stability.
Hhe, however noted that APC has achieved consensus candidacies in several states without post-primary litigation, a feat he said remains rare in Nigeria’s political space.
On fears being expressed over rising defections to the APC, Yilwatda faulted the argument that the country is drifting toward a one-party state, describing the trend as a natural consequence of political competition.
“People move to where systems work. Many parties are weakening, while APC continues to grow because it is better organised,” he said.
He added that the party’s growing influence, including its control of about 31 governorship seats and a strong majority in the National Assembly, reflects voter confidence rather than coercion.
Yilwatda said the APC’s organisational strength has attracted politicians from across the political spectrum, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and continuous reform of party administration, describing the party as a model for effective political organisation in Nigeria.
