New APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, taking his oath of office
Newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has vowed to bolster the party’s membership base and ensure a decisive win in the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda spoke on Thursday at the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday after assuming office.
It would be recalled that Yilwatda was elected unopposed during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to God, our party leadership, governors, National Assembly members, NWC, and loyal APC supporters for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Yilwatda said, acknowledging the significant trust placed in him.
He also highlighted the vision for the party, stressing that he remains committed to uniting the party and expanding its reach with stakeholder collaboration.
“I will work tirelessly to strengthen our structures, promote the Renewed Hope Agenda, and make the APC more appealing to Nigerians.”
Yilwatda expressed confidence in the party’s future, declaring, “Our doors are wide open to welcome new members, including governors, lawmakers, local government leaders, and opposition members. The 2027 elections are already secured for the APC.”
He also pledged to improve transparency and leverage technology in party operations, noting strong support from Nigerians both domestically and internationally.
Yilwatda’s nomination, proposed by Imo State Governor and Progressives Governors Forum Chairman Hope Uzodinma, was supported by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Yilwatda succeeds Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down on June 27 due to health concerns, leading to Ali Dalori’s brief tenure as acting chairman. Before his 2024 appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Yilwatda was the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Plateau State.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda comes from the family of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma. A registered engineer with COREN, he is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria. He also served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with INEC in Benue State from 2017, bringing extensive administrative and electoral expertise to his new role. (NAN)
