Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has stated that it is natural for political parties to attempt to weaken their rivals, regardless of their affiliation. He made this known on Monday while speaking as a guest during an interview on Prime Time, a program aired on Arise Television. His remarks were in response to ongoing political dynamics involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to Cole, the effort by political parties to weaken their opposition is not unusual and reflects a global political pattern rather than a localized phenomenon. He explained that every political organization, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, naturally adopts strategies aimed at limiting the influence and effectiveness of opposing groups. However, he emphasized that the true strength of a democratic system lies in how the opposition reacts to such pressure. Cole further highlighted that democracy fundamentally depends on the presence of a vibrant and resilient opposition. When opposition parties are strong and well-organized, they contribute significantly to the credibility and legitimacy of the democratic process. He noted that current political developments suggest a growing determination among opposition groups to unite and strengthen their position. In his view, such collaboration is beneficial for democratic growth and stability. At the same time, he acknowledged that the ruling party would understandably resist any alliance that could threaten its dominance. This, he implied, is part of the natural competitive structure of politics. Cole also expressed his belief in the value of competition, stating that it drives improvement and strategic thinking. According to him, competition encourages political actors to evaluate their weaknesses and build on their strengths, ultimately leading to better governance outcomes. He concluded by reiterating that political rivalry, when managed within democratic principles, plays a crucial role in shaping effective leadership and accountability.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has confidently declared that Plateau State will produce more than one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The APC chairman attributed this projection to what he described as the party’s increasing political strength in the state, alongside the weakening and near-total collapse of opposition political structures. Professor Yilwatda made this statement while addressing party members and leaders during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held for the Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency. The meeting took place in Pankshin, Plateau State, and was attended by party faithful and local stakeholders. According to him, the political landscape in Plateau State has changed significantly since the 2023 general elections. He emphasized that the APC has grown stronger than it was during the last election cycle, noting that several political actors who previously stood against the party have now aligned themselves with it. He explained that the challenges and internal resistance the party faced in 2023 no longer exist, as influential figures who once opposed the APC have since moved into its fold. Among those mentioned were the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, alongside commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political appointees within the state. Professor Yilwatda stressed that this realignment has greatly strengthened the APC’s structure across Plateau State, positioning the party for a dominant showing in the next general elections. With the current level of unity and support, he expressed confidence that the state would overwhelmingly support President Tinubu in 2027. He further described the PKK Federal Constituency as a long-standing strong base for the APC. Recalling past election results, Yilwatda noted that President Tinubu recorded some of his highest vote counts in the area during the 2023 presidential election, reinforcing the constituency’s strategic importance to the party’s future electoral success.
