Minister Yilwatda Emerges New APC National Chairman
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has emerged as the new National Chairman of Nigeria's ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). His emergence was officially announced on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during a crucial meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the State House in Abuja.
Key Details of Yilwatda's Emergence:
Consensus Decision: Yilwatda's elevation was adopted as a "consensus decision" by the NEC, a move described by party leaders as both pragmatic and symbolic. This indicates a high level of agreement within the party's top echelon regarding his leadership.
Successor to Ganduje: He takes over from Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who officially stepped down from the role on June 27, 2025, reportedly citing personal reasons, though internal power struggles ahead of the 2027 general elections were also speculated as a factor.
Oath of Office: Yilwatda was immediately sworn in at the APC national secretariat in Abuja shortly after the announcement.
Presidential Backing: Reports suggest that the decision was sealed after President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, fully backed Yilwatda's emergence.
Background and Qualifications:
Academic: Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is a distinguished academic with a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He previously served as the Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, for 12 years.
Political Experience: He was the APC's governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections. Between July 2017 and December 2021, he held the position of Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, demonstrating his experience in the electoral process.
Ministerial Role: Prior to his new role, he served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in President Tinubu's cabinet, having been appointed late last year.
Bridge-Builder: Yilwatda is seen as a bridge-builder with both technocratic acumen and grassroots appeal, known for his measured temperament and policy depth.
Regional Balance: As a Christian from Plateau State in the North-Central geopolitical zone, his selection is widely interpreted as an attempt by the Tinubu administration to address regional and religious discontent that followed the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023.
Significance and Future Implications:
2027 General Elections: Yilwatda's emergence comes at a crucial time as the APC aims to strengthen its internal structures and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. His appointment is expected to usher in a more strategic phase in the party's leadership.
Internal Cohesion: The party is seeking to consolidate internal cohesion, especially with upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in states like Osun and Anambra.
Resignation from Cabinet: He is expected to resign from his ministerial position to fully assume leadership of the ruling party, following the party's rules and ethical considerations.
The appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda signals a new chapter for the All Progressives Congress as it navigates the political landscape towards future electoral contests and internal reforms.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
