Northern Youth Leaders Oppose Call for Resignation of APC National Chairman

A lot coalition of northern youth groups under the umbrella of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF) has rejected calls for the resignation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The group’s position follows a recent statement by another faction, the APC Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN), which issued a two-week ultimatum demanding that Yilwatda step down over alleged poor leadership and dwindling party influence. The APC-YSN had accused the party chairman of failing to unite the party and of mismanaging its affairs ahead of future elections.

In a swift response, NNYLF described the ultimatum as “unfounded and mischievous,” insisting that the APC under Yilwatda’s leadership has recorded significant progress, particularly in reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening the party’s grassroots structures.

The forum’s National President, Malam Murtala Mohammed Gamji, said the individuals calling for Yilwatda’s resignation lacked credibility and in many cases were not even members of the ruling party.

“We have observed with dismay the activities of some political jobbers masquerading as APC youth, calling for the resignation of our party chairman. These elements are being used by desperate politicians who are threatened by the unity and stability that Yilwatda has brought to the party,” Gamji said.

The group further praised the APC chairman for his inclusive leadership style, citing his efforts in attracting prominent politicians from opposition parties and strengthening the APC’s base in key northern states. According to them, such results prove that Yilwatda remains the right man to steer the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Responding to claims that the national chairman was preventing Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from defecting to the APC, the NNYLF dismissed the allegation as baseless.

The group noted that the governor himself had publicly acknowledged pressure from party members to join the APC, adding that there was no evidence linking Yilwatda to any attempt to block him.

Political observers believe the disagreement highlights growing internal tensions within the ruling party as it prepares for future elections.

However, the NNYLF’s strong defence of the APC chairman indicates that Yilwatda still enjoys considerable support among northern political blocs and youth leaders.

As the ruling party continues its internal restructuring, stakeholders have urged members to prioritize unity over factional battles, warning that public disputes could weaken the APC’s image and give advantage to opposition parties ahead of the next electoral cycle.

For now, the northern youth leaders’ declaration has strengthened Yilwatda’s position, signaling that despite pockets of dissent, the APC national chairman retains the backing of influential supporters within the party’s northern base.