The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its new national chairman, following the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje due to health concerns. The decision was finalized after a late-night meeting between President Bola Tinubu and APC governors in Abuja, where Yilwatda emerged as the consensus candidate.
The 56-year-old, who currently serves as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and previously contested as APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections, is expected to be formally ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee later today. His selection aligns with the APC’s zoning arrangement, which reserves the chairmanship position for the North-Central region.
Party insiders revealed that Yilwatda’s Christian faith played a significant role in his appointment, balancing the party’s leadership amid a Muslim-dominated presidency. A senior APC official described him as “young, intelligent, and free from political scandals,” expressing optimism that his leadership would strengthen the party’s image ahead of future elections.
Yilwatda, a former university lecturer, is seen as a unifying figure with the potential to broaden the APC’s appeal. His appointment comes at a critical time as the party seeks to consolidate its position and address internal and external challenges.
The transition marks a new chapter for the ruling party, with expectations high that Yilwatda’s academic background and administrative experience will bring fresh perspectives to APC’s leadership.
