A significant political rift has emerged within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), centering on an ultimatum issued by the All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN) for the party's national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to resign. APC-YSN accused Yilwatda of leadership failures and presiding over a party that is losing popularity nationwide, threatening a nationwide protest if their demands were not met. This development has, however, been vehemently dismissed by another group, the All Progressives Congress League of Professionals (ALP), which characterized the threat as the machination of desperate politicians.

Comrade Marlin Daniel, the national coordinator of ALP, issued a statement over the weekend asserting that the youths behind the ultimatum and threats are not genuine APC members. Instead, Daniel claimed they are 'sponsored goons' working for the opposition with the intent to jeopardize the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ALP explicitly stated that APC-YSN is not a recognized youth group within the APC family, branding them as a faction without credibility, incapable of issuing such ultimatums against the national chairman.

The ALP further argued that any narrative suggesting Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda's leadership has weakened the APC's structure or complicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid is out of touch with reality. Daniel described such claims as deception fueled by desperation and fear of the APC's recent popularity. He highlighted the massive defections of governors, senators, House of Representatives members, and prominent opposition figures into the APC as clear evidence of a strengthened party structure, not a weakened one. The ALP dismissed contrary views as 'opioid hallucination' or a 'well-orchestrated plan to mislead Nigerians with twisted logic,' calling it 'callous and petty.'

Furthermore, the ALP pointed out a perceived contradiction in APC-YSN's stance: while accusing the national chairman of 'undermining the unity within the APC,' the youth group simultaneously praised the national secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, for having 'a free hand to work effectively in running the party.' The ALP interpreted this as a sign of teamwork and harmonious relationships within the party, contrary to any claims of inefficiency. The group also refuted allegations that the party under Nentawe is silent in mobilizing support for President Tinubu's administration, crediting Prof. Nentawe with successfully reconciling aggrieved parties within the APC and orchestrating a massive membership drive that has seen a significant increase in decampees. The ALP deemed it 'laughable' to think these tactical moves do not aim to mobilize support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Credible intelligence available to the ALP suggests that APC-YSN is sponsored by an opposition governor within the North Central region, which, according to the ALP, explains the 'needless attacks' against Prof. Nentawe. The ALP also claimed that the individuals behind APC-YSN are 'known merchants' whose modus operandi involves being paid to organize protests against organizations or individuals. The ALP concluded by urging all party members and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the 'antics of sponsored elements masquerading as APC members' and instead intensify efforts to support the national chairman and President Tinubu in their mandates to achieve a better, prosperous, and stable Nigeria.