By Sani Hassan Suleiman U21MM2007
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially appointed Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the party. This decision was reached during a high level meeting held at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria. On 24 Thursday, July, 2025. which included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several APC governors.
Professor Yilwatda, a native of Plateau State, takes over the position from Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned in June 2025 due to health related issues. Before this appointment, Yilwatda served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the Tinubu administration.
According to party insiders quoted by Daily Trust and Channels TV, the APC leadership expressed confidence in Yilwatda’s ability to bring order, peace, and strategic planning to the party, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The party hopes that the new chairman will lead with integrity, promote internal democracy, and unify party members to face the political challenges ahead.
Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections. He also served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 2017 to 2021, overseeing elections in several states across the country.
This appointment is seen as part of APC’s strategy to promote unity and ensure balanced representation within the party. The North Central geopolitical zone, where Plateau belongs, is traditionally expected to hold the chairmanship position. Additionally, Yilwatda’s Christian background is expected to help foster religious inclusion and harmony within the party's leadership structure.