The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has emphasized the importance of accountability among politicians as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Abuja after receiving the Blueprint Newspaper’s Person of the Year Award, Yilwatda called on elected officials to honor their campaign promises to the electorate.

Yilwatda stated that democracy is meaningful only when citizens experience the tangible benefits of governance. He asserted that votes must be respected, and every valid ballot counted to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. "Our democracy must become a system in which every lawful vote is protected, every valid ballot is counted and every declared result can withstand legal, technical and moral examination," he said.

The APC Chairman highlighted that the true measure of democracy goes beyond elections. He pointed out that the effectiveness of governance should be evaluated based on outcomes that directly affect citizens' lives. He raised critical questions regarding the impact of governance, asking how many children have returned to school, how many farmers have accessed markets, and how many retirees have received their benefits. "Public office must, therefore, be judged by outcomes instead of pronouncements," he added.

As the nation gears up for the upcoming elections, Yilwatda stressed the need for security to be prioritized. He noted that a secure environment is essential for a seamless political process. "Security and electoral integrity are not separate rooms in the house of democracy. They are supporting pillars of the same structure," he explained. He warned that insecurity can diminish democracy by preventing citizens from voting and allowing violence to dictate electoral outcomes.

In his remarks, Yilwatda referenced the philosophical insights of Thomas Hobbes, who cautioned against the chaos following the breakdown of public order. He underscored that security must be governed by law and respect for human dignity, stating that elections protected through partisanship are compromised rather than safeguarded.

Looking ahead, Yilwatda outlined that preparations for the 2027 elections should commence well before the official campaign period. He called for proactive measures including intelligence gathering, conflict mapping, effective policing, and the establishment of transparent electoral technologies. He urged political actors to understand that victories achieved through violence lack democratic legitimacy and reminded security personnel of their allegiance to the Constitution, not individual candidates.

Yilwatda's comments serve as a timely reminder of the responsibilities that come with public office as Nigeria navigates the complex landscape of electoral politics in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.