The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s record in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the administration has done more for the region through infrastructure development than previous governments.
Yilwatda made the remarks on October 9 while receiving defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the APC national secretariat. He urged Northerners to recognise the Federal Government’s projects and consider their potential long-term benefits as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
The APC chairman argued that infrastructure investments under Tinubu were creating opportunities for transportation, trade, industrial development and employment across the region.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Kaduna-Kano railway connection, proposed metro rail infrastructure in Kano, inland dry ports and plans to expand gas transportation from southern Nigeria to the North.
According to Yilwatda, improved railway connections would make it easier to transport goods and passengers, strengthen commercial activities and connect northern businesses to wider markets.
He also pointed to the potential benefits of inland dry ports and better links between rail networks and seaports, arguing that these facilities could help businesses in the landlocked northern region participate more effectively in international trade.
Yilwatda said the proposed expansion of gas infrastructure could support electricity generation, fertiliser production and gas-powered industries. He maintained that these investments could stimulate industrialisation and create employment opportunities if successfully implemented.
However, the projects differ in their stages of development, and their eventual economic impact will depend on funding, construction, completion and effective operation.
The APC chairman also defended the administration’s economic policies, saying the government had inherited substantial financial obligations from previous administrations.
He cited liabilities in the aviation, electricity and gas sectors, alongside outstanding obligations to investors, arguing that settling these commitments had affected the resources available for new projects.
Yilwatda compared the situation to purchasing a house only to discover that the previous owner had left unpaid bills for electricity, water, land rent and security services. He said a new owner would still have to settle those liabilities despite having paid for the property.
Using the analogy, he argued that Tinubu’s administration was dealing with inherited obligations while attempting to redirect public spending towards infrastructure and other capital investments.
He also criticised the disposal of some national assets under previous administrations, citing the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, and the Delta Steel Company as examples. He questioned the prices at which the facilities were reportedly sold, arguing that the country had lost valuable economic assets.
His comments formed part of a broader defence of the administration’s economic direction and its efforts to increase investment in infrastructure.
Yilwatda further explained that his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid was motivated by concerns about the future of younger Nigerians.
“The day I’m going to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I know I’m campaigning for my children, a better tomorrow,” he said.
The APC chairman urged Nigerians to look beyond immediate political considerations and assess the long-term implications of their electoral choices. He also called for national unity, arguing that development required cooperation across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
His remarks come as political parties begin strengthening their positions ahead of the 2027 elections, with Northern Nigeria expected to remain an important arena for political mobilisation.
The region has significant infrastructure and development needs, including improved transport links, reliable electricity, employment opportunities and better access to public services. Security challenges and economic pressures also remain major concerns for many communities.
While Yilwatda presented the projects as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the North, assessing the administration’s overall record requires examining not only announced investments but also completed projects, expenditure, delivery timelines and measurable benefits for residents.
The APC chairman nevertheless maintained that the administration’s development agenda deserved recognition and urged Northerners to support its continuation.
He also described the APC as an inclusive political platform, saying the party remained open to Nigerians willing to contribute to its objectives.
As the 2027 election approaches, the debate over Tinubu’s performance in the North is likely to intensify, with the ruling party highlighting infrastructure and economic initiatives while voters assess their practical effects on livelihoods and regional development.
