The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that political appointments after the 2027 elections will only go to loyal APC members, not technocrats or professionals.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, Nentawe said:
“Once you are given a political appointment, you are a politician. There is no vote called technocrats. If you are a technocrat, go and be a consultant.”
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He stressed that appointees must actively support the party, work in grassroots politics, and defend government policies.
“As party chairman, I will stand strong to defend the position that if you are not prepared to join us, you shouldn’t be given an appointment,” he added.
Nentawe highlighted the importance of the North-West region, saying it remains a key part of APC’s success with a large youth membership.
Political analysts have warned that prioritising party loyalty over competence could harm governance. Abubakar Ibrahim said:
“Loyalty-based appointments risk sidelining merit and reducing public confidence in government.”
The PDP, however, said it would adopt a different approach if elected in 2027. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said:
“When our party wins, we will run a system with a fair mix of politicians and technocrats. The key determinant will be what the appointee has to offer, whether he or she is a politician or a technocrat.”
Analysts warn that excluding technocrats could weaken public institutions, reduce accountability, and politicize governance.