Presidency not a birthright, Tinubu must seek fresh mandate – ADC to APC Chair

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized a recent statement made by Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where he declared that there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” in 2027.

Yilwatda made the controversial remark on Tuesday during a meeting with APC members at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. His comment, widely interpreted as a warning to opposition parties, has stirred significant backlash.

In a swift reaction on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the ADC, condemned the APC chairman’s words as “arrogant and insensitive,” especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.

Abdullahi said the “presidency is not a hereditary office, but a mandate that must be renewed through performance”.

The ADC spokesperson added that such a statement raises concerns that the ruling party may disregard the will of Nigerians at the polls.

“The APC chairman’s declaration of ‘no vacancy in Aso Rock’ is presumptuous and disrespectful to Nigerians who are grappling with hunger, insecurity and joblessness,” the statement reads.

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“We understand why the APC is afraid and would wish to avoid that day of reckoning with the ballot box. But periodic elections mean every incumbent must seek a fresh mandate.”

Abdullahi said “no matter the ruling party’s position, there will be a vacancy at the presidential villa in 2027″.

“President Tinubu must reapply to Nigerians and explain why he deserves to continue despite policies that have worsened the suffering of the majority,” he said.

“The APC government and its media operatives keep awarding themselves medals, but food prices are soaring, bandits are overrunning communities, and the naira remains battered.

“To declare no vacancy two years before an election is to mock the power of Nigerians’ votes. It insults parents who cannot feed their families, graduates without jobs and entrepreneurs whose businesses have collapsed.

“Let it be known, the APC will have to reapply for the job of leading this country in 2027, and they do not get to mark their own papers.”

Abdullahi added that Tinubu would be judged in 2027 by indicators such as youth employment, security, poverty, electricity supply and justice.