According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has stated that the party does not force or pressure individuals to join its ranks, insisting that membership remains a voluntary decision.
He made the clarification during a media chat where he addressed growing public discussions about political defections and the increasing number of politicians moving from opposition parties into the APC.
Yilwatda explained that political realignments and defections are a normal part of democratic practice, both in Nigeria and in other countries.
He noted that individuals are free to associate with any political party of their choice based on their personal judgment and ideological alignment.
According to him, the APC does not engage in coercion or inducement to expand its membership, but rather attracts people who choose to align with its policies and direction.
The APC chairman also responded to concerns that the ruling party may be weakening opposition parties by receiving members who defect from them.
He stated that such movement should not be interpreted as deliberate political strategy to destabilize rival parties.
Instead, he emphasized that defections are often influenced by individual political decisions, shifting alliances, and changing interests within the political landscape.
He maintained that these developments are part of the natural evolution of democratic competition.
In his remarks, Yilwatda also addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of Nyesom Wike within the current administration.
He clarified that Wike’s involvement in the APC-led government structure was done with approval from the Peoples Democratic Party.
He explained that political participation across party lines in governance is not unusual and has occurred in previous administrations where individuals from different political backgrounds were appointed into public office.
He further stated that appointing individuals from opposition parties into government positions is not a new development in Nigeria’s political history.
According to him, past administrations have also drawn on experienced professionals and politicians from different parties in order to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
He suggested that the focus should be on competence and contribution rather than strict party affiliation when making appointments into public office.
Yilwatda also spoke about political support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of future elections, noting that endorsements are not limited to formal party membership.
He explained that individuals who support a candidate during elections, even without officially joining the party, are still considered part of the broader political base.
According to him, participation in elections through voting is a form of endorsement, regardless of party membership status.
He said, “You don’t have to be a member of APC to support the President. Once you vote for him, you have endorsed him.”
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