National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described local government chairmen elected on the platform of the party as the APC’s strongest grassroots asset and a critical factor in securing electoral victories, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda stated this while addressing members of the Progressive Local Government Chairmen Forum who paid him a courtesy visit at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The APC National Chairman said Local Government Chairmen occupy a unique position in the party structure because they are closest to the people and have firsthand knowledge of political realities in their respective communities.

According to him, unlike national leaders who may not be familiar with developments at the grassroots level, local government chairmen understand the strengths, challenges and political dynamics within their councils, wards and communities.

“You are nearer to the people than us. You know the stakeholders, grassroots workers, councillors and traditional rulers in your local governments. You know where we have challenges and what we need to do to win elections,” he said.

Yilwatda stressed that the chairmen would play a decisive role in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, describing them as one of the strongest pillars of the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts.

He urged them to provide honest feedback on the performance of political office holders and appointees in their localities, noting that political appointments come with responsibilities beyond administrative duties.

The APC chairman maintained that those occupying political offices must remain actively engaged with the people and contribute to the party’s electoral success.

He also directed the forum to work closely with the party’s National Secretary on all administrative matters, explaining that communications and formal engagements with the party leadership should be channelled through that office for efficiency and coordination.

Yilwatda further called for stronger collaboration between the Progressive Local Government Chairmen Forum and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), saying the party would facilitate a harmonious working relationship between the two bodies.

He specifically urged the National Secretary to engage with the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma to establish a framework that would strengthen cooperation and eliminate any potential friction between the organisations.

The APC chairman assured the forum of the party’s unwavering support, promising that the leadership would participate in and support any lawful mobilisation initiative aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots presence.

“We will work with you, support you and stand by you to ensure that the APC records greater success in future elections,” he said.

Yilwatda also pledged that the party leadership would formally communicate with state chapters to ensure that the forum receives recognition and cooperation from state party executives across the country.

On local government autonomy, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have enhanced fiscal independence for local councils, noting that the development has enabled many chairmen to embark on impactful projects.

He said he had observed several local governments undertaking projects such as schools, bridges, hospitals and health centres, attributing the achievements to increased resources available to councils.

The APC chairman challenged local government leaders to use the opportunity provided by the autonomy reforms to tackle multidimensional poverty through improved access to education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation and other basic services.

According to him, local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and therefore have the greatest responsibility for improving living conditions in their communities.

“Primary education, water, sanitation and primary healthcare are largely under your control. If we must reduce multidimensional poverty, local governments must lead the effort by providing access to these essential services,” he said.

Yilwatda urged APC local government chairmen to demonstrate the party’s commitment to governance through visible developmental projects and people-oriented programmes, adding that effective service delivery at the grassroots would strengthen public confidence in the APC and contribute to future electoral victories.

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