|
Listen to article
|
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike is free to join the party.
Yilwatda made the remarks during a media chat on Wednesday night.
He stated that the party does not compel individuals to join its fold, stressing that membership is voluntary.
“If he wants to join the APC, he is free to do so. We don’t compel people to join APC. People willingly join APC,” he said.
He further dismissed claims that political appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are tied to party membership, noting that several individuals who had previously criticised the president are currently serving in government.
Read Also: 2027: Nobody Can Match My Plans For The North – Peter Obi
“There’s nowhere you will see that there was an agreement with us that you must join APC before you serve in our government.
“People that insulted Mr President, he appointed them. They are in our government. He didn’t ask them to join the APC,” he said.
Yilwatda also highlighted what he described as the president’s open leadership style, saying critics have been embraced rather than excluded.
“Those that insulted him, he welcomed them in broad daylight,” he added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday made a light-hearted remark about the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, during the commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service building.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tinubu joked that he could send the Senate President to the other side to represent him.
“Senate President, I will send you to the other side to represent me, and then you can scatter them anyway you like. They’re confused,” the President said.
Read Also: National Convention: ADC Secures New Venue
The President’s remark comes amid rising political tension involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has alleged that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is attempting to destabilise it.
The ADC had also claimed it faced intimidation in securing event facilities, an allegation that was denied by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has announced a new venue for its National Convention, scheduled for Tuesday, 14th April, 2026.
According to a statement shared via the party’s official X handle on Monday, the convention is to hold at the Rainbow Event Center, at Area 8, Garki, Abuja.
The post reads: “Proposed Venue for the ADC National Convention, Rainbow Event Center, Plot 1193A, Off Southern Parkway, Garki Area 8, Abuja.
“Located behind the FCDA/AGIS Building and in close proximity to the NTA Headquarters, Area 11.”
This comes after it was reported that the FCT allegedly denied the ADC access to the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, both in Abuja, for the event
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the postponement of the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
This follows a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Friday, April 10.
Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election.
A statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner, Chairman, Informationa and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said: “the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.
“It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.
“The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.
“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”
The David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which derecognised the party’s leadership.
Mark also asked Justice Emeka Nwite to grant an order of mandatory injunction setting aside INEC’s refusal to attend or monitor the ADC’s congresses or convention, pending the hearing and determination of the instant suit.
