'It Is Not Our Job to Help Opposition Grow'

‘It Is Not Our Job to Help Opposition Grow’ – APC Chairman
APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, Nigerian politics, opposition parties, one party state, Trust TV, political mobilisation, party defections
Opposition Should Go to the Streets, Not TV Studios, Says APC Chair

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has said it is not the responsibility of the ruling party to strengthen opposition parties in Nigeria.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Yilwatda made the statement during an interview on Trust TV, where he dismissed claims that the APC is working towards creating a one party state. He argued that opposition parties have failed to properly mobilise grassroots support, choosing instead to focus on media appearances.

According to him, political strength is built through engagement with the people and not television interviews. He said opposition leaders spend more time talking on TV rather than going to the streets to connect with voters.

“It’s not our duty to help our enemies to grow. I can’t feed my enemy. It’s not my duty. So they should labour, they should go to the streets. That’s why I keep on saying that they spend more time on TV talking,” Yilwatda said.

The APC chairman disclosed that he has been travelling across the country to mobilise support quietly and consistently. He said much of the party’s work is done behind the scenes, away from media attention.

“Yesterday, I came back from Taraba. Tomorrow, I’m going to Katsina. I’m not receiving a governor. I’m going for mobilisation. I’m engaging people. I’m talking to people. On Saturday, I’ll be in a different state again, where I’ll meet with people, discussing and mobilising behind the scene,” he added.

'It Is Not Our Job to Help Opposition Grow' - APC Chairman — ‘It Is Not Our Job to Help Opposition Grow’ – APC Chairman

Yilwatda stressed that what the public sees on television is only the final outcome of political work, noting that real mobilisation happens off camera. His remarks come amid increasing defections of governors and key political figures to the APC.