The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, has unanimously elected Nentawe Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as its new national chairman.
The decision, ratified at the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the presidential villa on Thursday, positions Yilwatda, a former professor, to steer the party through the crucial political landscape leading up to the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda’s ascension fills a void left by the resignation of former chairman Umar Ganduje last month. His unanimous selection signals a concerted effort by the party’s hierarchy, including President Bola Tinubu and state governors, to consolidate power and present a united front ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Yilwatda’s Profile
Born on August 8, 1968, Nentawe Yilwatda brings a blend of academic rigour and public service experience to the role. An electrical/electronic engineer by training, holding a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering, he has a notable background in public sector reforms.
He served as a project consultant for Nigeria’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and was instrumental in implementing the World Bank-funded Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN).
Prior to his ministerial appointment by President Tinubu in 2024, Yilwatda was the APC’s governorship candidate in Plateau state in 2023, though he lost the election. His ministerial role saw him replace Betta Edu, who was suspended amid allegations of financial impropriety, potentially positioning Yilwatda as a figure to project a renewed image of integrity for the party’s leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged to “unite, build and expand the party” and ensure the APC fulfils “the dream of Nigerians who have reposed their hope in the renewed hope agenda.” He emphasized his commitment to working collaboratively with all party members, viewing them as “the mechanics of the party” and the party itself as “our vehicle.”
What this means for the 2027 Election
Yilwatda’s appointment carries significant implications for the APC’s strategy towards the 2027 elections. His unanimous election underscores a push for internal cohesion, vital for a ruling party aiming to retain power as the opposition looks more formidable after forming a coalition under the banner of African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group has former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party 2023 candidate Peter Obi.
Coming directly from a ministerial position and with the NEC meeting held at the presidential villa, his emergence strongly suggests President Tinubu’s firm grip and influence over the party’s structure, centralizing control ahead of the political manoeuvres for 2027.
The choice of a north-central figure, following Ganduje’s exit, also speaks to regional balancing within the party’s power structure.
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