APC leadership assurance to legacy members has been issued by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who stated that new entrants into the All Progressives Congress will not be allowed to take over existing leadership structures within the party.
The assurance comes at a time of increased political movement across party lines in Nigeria, with the All Progressives Congress witnessing a steady influx of defectors from opposition parties.
Such developments often create tension within party ranks, particularly among long-standing members concerned about the preservation of influence and leadership positions.
The APC has continued to position itself as an open platform for political participation, while also managing internal stability amid shifting alignments ahead of future elections.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders of the Federal Capital Territory chapter in Abuja, Yilwatda emphasised that the APC leadership assurance to legacy members was aimed at maintaining internal balance.
He said: “It is a home that we built. If the house was not built, nobody will come, so nobody should come as a warrior and take over.”
He explained that while the party welcomes new members, leadership positions would not be automatically transferred to defectors without due process.
According to him, the APC leadership assurance to legacy members includes a structured integration system designed to ensure fairness across all groups within the party.
The chairman disclosed that the framework includes considerations for gender representation, geopolitical balance across the six zones, inclusion of indigenous groups in the Federal Capital Territory, and youth participation.
He also stated that defectors seeking leadership roles must provide evidence of resignation from their previous political parties, including formal acceptance of such resignation.
Yilwatda further revealed that a committee chaired by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, had conducted zoning arrangements for the FCT chapter, which have been fully adopted.
The APC leadership assurance to legacy members reflects ongoing efforts to maintain unity within the party amid increasing political realignments.
It highlights the challenge of balancing openness to new entrants with the need to preserve institutional continuity and trust among existing members. The approach may influence how other political parties in Nigeria manage defections, leadership distribution, and internal cohesion.
