Tinubu’s APC no safe haven for corrupt politicians — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed allegations that the ruling party shields its members from criminal prosecution, insisting that belonging to the party does not guarantee protection from the law.

Yilwatda said several APC members were already facing prosecution in court, maintaining that the party would not interfere with the legal process to protect anyone.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, the APC chairman rejected claims that politicians facing criminal allegations could escape prosecution by joining the ruling party.

“Nobody is protected. I don’t want to mention names, but I know members of our party who are undergoing prosecution and appear in court every day,” he declared.

Yilwatda, however, insisted that the party’s position on prosecution must not undermine the fundamental rights of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

He maintained that suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, regardless of their political affiliation.

“As long as you have not been convicted, we assume you’re innocent because that’s what the law says,” he stated.

“So, as APC members, we can’t use strict prosecutions to go ahead and deny people their fundamental human rights.”

The APC chairman maintained that party membership did not place anyone above the law, while stressing that individuals facing prosecution remained entitled to constitutional protection until their cases were determined.