Nentawe Yilwatda Emerges as APC National Chairman as Party Repositions for 2027

All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially appointed Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, as its new National Chairman. His emergence puts to rest months of speculation following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who stepped down from the position due to health-related reasons.

The announcement came during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, July 25, 2025, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. It marked a pivotal moment for the ruling party, signaling its intent to consolidate leadership, maintain internal cohesion, and prepare for an anticipated influx of defectors in the coming months.

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A Technocrat at the Helm

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address at the NEC meeting, expressed confidence in Yilwatda’s leadership, describing him as a visionary and capable hand to steer the APC through a new phase of national politics. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda is a professor of engineering, an academic administrator, and a seasoned public servant.

Yilwatda previously contested for the governorship seat in Plateau State under the APC banner during the 2023 general elections. His background also includes significant stints as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. As an engineer, he holds memberships in key professional bodies, including the Nigeria Society of Engineers and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

His nomination for the party’s top job was moved by Imo State Governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. The NEC unanimously ratified his appointment, after which he was immediately sworn into office.

Commitment to Unity and Expansion

In his acceptance speech, Professor Yilwatda pledged unwavering commitment to the growth and unity of the APC. “I pledge without hesitation that I will work with everybody in the party… I will expand the party with you,” he said, promising to build a more inclusive structure that strengthens the APC’s presence nationwide.

His emergence also led to the resignation of the Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Festus Fuanter, who hails from the same state as the new chairman. In accordance with the party’s constitution, no two national officers may hail from the same state, prompting Fuanter’s early morning resignation on Thursday.

Ganduje Recognized for Service

While ushering in a new era, President Tinubu did not fail to recognize the contributions of the outgoing National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Commending Ganduje for his leadership and dedication, particularly in establishing the APC Progressive Institute, Tinubu announced that the former Kano State governor would remain engaged as a consultant.

“I gave him an assignment on the formation of a Progressive Institute. The National Secretary will work with the chairman to revitalise it, and we can still take him [Ganduje] as a consultant to work with the new chairman to do that,” Tinubu stated.

Strategic Shifts and Political Realignment

As part of broader strategic adjustments, the NEC meeting also approved the extension of tenures for the party’s Ward, Local Government, and State Executive Committees until December 31, 2025. This extension is aimed at stabilizing the party’s grassroots structures while the APC positions itself for a major realignment of political forces, including accommodating expected defectors from opposition camps.

In a related move, President Tinubu also announced a rescheduling of congresses at various party levels. The Ward, Local Government, and State congresses have now been shifted to December 2025—a move widely interpreted as a tactical delay to allow for smooth integration of new members into the party framework.

This restructuring effort comes in response to the growing threat of a united opposition bloc, particularly around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has become a rallying point for former political heavyweights, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and David Mark.

Looking Ahead to 2027

With the 2027 elections in focus, the APC is retooling its leadership and structures to present a more cohesive and resilient front. The emergence of a technocrat like Yilwatda at the helm indicates a shift toward professionalism and reform, at a time when the party must navigate increasing public discontent over economic challenges and competition from newly energized opposition movements.

The message from Thursday’s NEC meeting was unmistakable: the APC is not only preparing for the political battles ahead but is determined to lead them with renewed vigor, inclusive strategies, and a leadership team that reflects its aspirations for stability and progress.