APC Chairman Yilwatda Dismisses Opposition Strength, Citing Post-2023 Poll Failures

 The newly appointed All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, on July 24, 2025, downplayed the strength of opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring, “There is no opposition for now.” 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Yilwatda pointed to the opposition’s poor performance in off-season governorship polls following the 2023 general elections, specifically citing losses in Edo, Ondo, Kogi, and Imo states. He argued that these defeats, including the APC’s recent victory in Edo with Monday Okpebholo, reflect a lack of viable challenge to the ruling party.

Yilwatda’s remarks come as the APC consolidates power, bolstered by recent defections and a strengthened legislative majority. However, the opposition contests this narrative, with PDP and LP leaders asserting that their coalition efforts, including the ADC’s emergence as a platform for Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, signal a growing force. 

Critics question whether Yilwatda’s assessment overlooks regional successes, such as LP’s strong showing in Lagos in 2023, and suggest his stance may be a strategic move to demoralize rivals ahead of 2027. The claim of no opposition is bold but contentious, with electoral data showing mixed results that challenge the idea of total dominance.