The APC says it will tolerate protests against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, even as its national chairman touts a 13-million-member structure as a major electoral advantage ahead of the 2027 polls.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to protect the right of Nigerians to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, with its National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, saying opposition voices must have room to operate without intimidation.
Yilwatda made the declaration while receiving an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pre-election fact-finding mission led by former Sierra Leone Vice-President Victor Bockarie Foh.
He said the ruling party did not intend to use its political dominance to silence critics, including demonstrators campaigning under the slogan “Tinubu Must Go”.
“Being the largest political party does not mean that we want to suppress anybody. We want a democratic environment in which every party can organise, campaign and seek the support of Nigerians without fear,” Yilwatda said.
His remarks place freedom of political expression alongside the emerging contest for 2027. They also provide a standard against which the conduct of the ruling party, state authorities and security agencies can be assessed as campaign activities intensify.
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A promise that must extend beyond words
The right to peaceful protest is protected under Section 40 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly and association. Section 39 also protects freedom of expression.
These protections apply to supporters and opponents of the government. They do not depend on the popularity of a protest slogan or the political strength of the group organising it.
Yilwatda’s assurance will therefore be measured not only by what the APC says but also by whether demonstrators can assemble peacefully, access public spaces and express opposition without unlawful restrictions.
The distinction is important because the responsibility for public order rests with relevant government authorities and security agencies, not simply the ruling party’s national leadership.
APC flaunts 13 million members
Beyond the question of political tolerance, Yilwatda used the meeting to highlight the APC’s organisational strength ahead of the next general election.
He put the party’s registered membership at approximately 13 million, claiming it was about three times larger than its nearest rival. He also disclosed that the party had more than 261,000 executive members across its ward, local government, state and national structures.
According to him, the APC maintains a membership database supported by identity cards and verification details linked to members’ National Identification Numbers and voter information.
The figures, if independently verified, would indicate a substantial grassroots network. However, membership totals do not automatically translate into votes. Actual electoral strength will depend on voter turnout, public confidence, campaign performance and the ability to convert party structures into support at polling units.
ECOWAS mission seeks evidence
Foh said his delegation was gathering information from political stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s preparations for credible elections.
He explained that the mission relied on systematic observation and verification rather than assumptions.
“Our monitoring is scientific, and our decisions on issues are based on scientific observation. We verify information before making any pronouncement,” he said.
The mission’s engagement with the APC offers one perspective on the political environment. Its eventual assessment will also depend on information gathered from opposition parties, electoral institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.
As the 2027 contest approaches, the central test is whether the democratic space described by the APC chairman will be accessible to every political group, including those seeking Tinubu’s removal from office.
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