The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, not to exploit his former role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to undermine Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC congratulated Professor Yilwatda on his appointment, marking the fourth leadership change in the APC within two years but warned that his tenure must uphold democratic values, institutional independence, and respect for opposition voices.
“We acknowledge Professor Yilwatda’s past as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, a position that demands impartiality, adherence to electoral ethics, and a commitment to public trust,” the statement read. “It is our hope that he uses this experience to strengthen electoral transparency rather than manipulate the system for partisan advantage, a pattern we have observed too frequently under APC leadership.”
The ADC also criticised the APC for holding the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that confirmed Yilwatda’s appointment within the State House, describing it as a troubling violation of democratic principles.
“Holding a party meeting at the seat of government reflects a disturbing erosion of the boundary between state and party,” the ADC stated. “It reinforces concerns about the ruling party’s disregard for democratic accountability.”
The party expressed hope that Yilwatda’s emergence would signal a shift in APC’s governance style—moving away from “propaganda, impunity, and intolerance” toward a more participatory and inclusive democratic process.
“We hope this appointment ushers in a new era marked by responsibility and genuine democratic engagement,” the statement added. “We also pray that Professor Yilwatda’s tenure lasts longer than those of his predecessors—and that his eventual exit is marked by honour, not controversy.”
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