The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that Christians who previously supported former presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections are now fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that this shift is evident across key political zones, particularly in the South South region and several northern states, where Obi’s campaign had drawn significant Christian voter support. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Yilwatda highlighted the APC’s growing political dominance, citing increased representation in the National Assembly and state governments as proof of shifting loyalties.
Yilwatda pointed to concrete figures to back his claims, noting that in 2023, the APC had fewer governors and fewer members in the House of Assembly compared to its current numbers. He stated that the party now controls more than 90 senators, up from over 50 in the previous election cycle. This surge in legislative strength, according to him, reflects widespread realignment among voters, including those from Christian communities who had backed Obi in 2023. He specifically mentioned states like Plateau and Nasarawa, where religious sentiment had played a role in supporting Obi, but now show strong backing for President Tinubu.
The APC leader stressed that the sentiments that once drove Christian voters toward Obi have largely faded. He said that today, from governors to members of the National Assembly, these communities are united behind Tinubu’s administration. He added that the South South zone, which had been a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi’s campaign, is now entirely with the APC and President Tinubu. This transformation, Yilwatda argued, underscores the party’s ability to build broad-based coalitions across religious and regional lines.
He attributed the shift to the APC’s performance and policies, which he believes have resonated with voters nationwide. The party’s expansion in both the Senate and state assemblies, he noted, is not just numerical but symbolic of deeper political realignment. Yilwatda’s comments come at a time when the APC is consolidating its position ahead of upcoming elections and national policy debates. His remarks also reflect the party’s confidence in its ability to maintain and expand its support base, even among groups that once opposed it.
As Nigeria continues to navigate political and economic challenges, the APC’s growing influence in traditionally opposition-leaning regions signals a significant development in the country’s political landscape. The party’s ability to attract cross-religious and cross-regional support may shape future electoral outcomes and governance dynamics. This evolving political alignment suggests that President Tinubu’s administration is gaining broader acceptance, even among those who once supported rival candidates.
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