The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a caution to the newly-appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, urging him not to exploit his past role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to manipulate the country’s electoral system in favour of the ruling party.

While congratulating Professor Yilwatda on his appointment, the fourth APC national chairmanship change in two years, the ADC expressed cautious optimism, warning that the new chairman’s tenure must reflect greater respect for democratic norms, opposition voices and institutional boundaries.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party emphasised: “We take note of Professor Yilwatda’s previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). This is no small credential. It comes with a deep understanding of electoral ethics, neutrality, and public trust. We sincerely hope he will draw on this experience to promote the sanctity of our electoral processes, rather than using insider knowledge to game (manipulate) the system in favour of his party, as has often been the case under the APC’s watch.”

The ADC also criticised the ruling party for holding its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the very meeting that ratified Yilwatda’s appointment, within the State House, calling it a “dangerous blurring of the line between party and state.”

“The decision of the ruling party to host its party meeting at the seat of government is an aberration that underlines how far this government has strayed from the foundational norms of democratic accountability,” the statement read.

According to the ADC, Professor Yilwatda’s emergence should offer the APC an opportunity to depart from a legacy of “propaganda, impunity, and intolerance” and instead model participatory democracy.

“We are hopeful that this particular appointment might trigger a shift in tone, temperament, and trajectory for a party that has too often equated governance with propaganda, and power with impunity.”

The ADC added, “We pray for Professor Yilwatda, that may his tenure be longer than those of his predecessors and his exit more honourable.” (Nigerian Tribune, but headline rejigged)