The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously endorsed Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as its new National Chairman. The decision, a culmination of intensive deliberations involving President Bola Tinubu and APC governors, positions a seasoned academic and administrator at the helm of the party, tasked with rejuvenating its image and strengthening its national appeal.
Professor Yilwatda, 56, steps into the critical role vacated by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned recently due to health considerations. His emergence follows a late-night, high-stakes meeting in Abuja where President Tinubu and the party’s gubernatorial titans reportedly reached a consensus, paving the way for his anticipated ratification by the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) later today.
A Blend of Brains, Bureaucracy, and Ballot Box Experience
Hailing from Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda brings a uniquely potent blend of academic gravitas, bureaucratic acumen, and political experience to the APC’s top leadership. Prior to his foray into active politics, he was a distinguished engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where his intellect shaped future generations.
His public service career further distinguished him. From 2017 to 2021, Professor Yilwatda served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In this crucial role, he oversaw elections in diverse states including Benue, Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River, gaining invaluable insights into Nigeria’s electoral landscape and the intricate dynamics of its political system. His abrupt resignation from INEC in December 2021 to contest the Plateau State governorship on the APC platform underscored his deep commitment to direct political engagement, even though he ultimately lost the race to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. President Tinubu’s subsequent appointment of him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs further solidified his standing within the administration.
Strategic Choice for Inclusivity and Renewal.
Multiple party insiders have highlighted several strategic factors that contributed to Professor Yilwatda’s selection. His nomination perfectly aligns with the APC’s established zoning arrangement, which designates the North-Central geopolitical zone for the national chairmanship. This region encompasses key states like Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, ensuring regional balance within the party’s leadership structure.
Crucially, his Christian faith reportedly played a significant role in the party’s calculus.
With both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being Muslims, APC leaders are said to have recognized the imperative of appointing a Christian chairman to project an image of inclusivity and broaden the party’s appeal across Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape.
“He is young, suave, well-educated, and doesn’t carry the usual political baggage that can sometimes hinder a party’s progress,” a senior APC official, who preferred anonymity, confided to PREMIUM TIMES. “We believe he can genuinely give the party a new, refreshed face and restore credibility, particularly as we look towards future elections and aim to solidify our base.”
A New Chapter for the Ruling Party
Professor Yilwatda’s ascent to the APC chairmanship signals a palpable shift in strategy for the ruling party, which has recently faced increasing scrutiny over internal fragmentation, perceived declining popularity in certain regions, and a degree of leadership instability. His reputation as a technocrat and a figure less entrenched in traditional political strongholds is expected to usher in a new era of stability and strategic direction for the APC.
Party leaders are openly optimistic that under Professor Yilwatda’s leadership, the APC will be able to effectively rejuvenate its image, foster greater internal cohesion, and strategically position itself to consolidate power and achieve continued electoral success in the contests to come. His appointment is being widely interpreted as a deliberate move to present a more modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking face of the All Progressives Congress to the Nigerian populace.
