The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday officially named Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, as its new national chairman in a high-stakes move aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His emergence was ratified during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where top party leaders gathered to deliberate on the future of the party amid internal realignments and electoral pressures.
The NEC adopted Yilwatda’s appointment as a “consensus decision,” a development which insiders described as both strategic and symbolic in light of the party’s recent internal challenges and looming gubernatorial elections in Edo, Ondo, and Kogi states.
He replaces Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Kano governor who stepped down from the position on June 27.
Yilwatda’s nomination was moved by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
A former university lecturer and APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State, Yilwatda is widely regarded within the party as a cerebral technocrat with grassroots appeal and policy depth. His elevation to the chairmanship is seen as a deliberate effort to blend intellectual leadership with electoral strategy.
Party sources say the leadership change signals a shift to a more measured, reform-oriented style, especially as the APC begins preparations for key off-cycle elections and broader reforms.
Yilwatda’s supporters describe him as a “bridge-builder” capable of calming internal frictions while projecting a credible public image for the party in a politically volatile period.
Observers say his appointment may also help the APC rebrand its humanitarian agenda, while consolidating support among youths and professionals.
The APC is expected to unveil a strategic roadmap under Yilwatda’s leadership in the coming weeks, focusing on unity, institutional reforms, and electoral success.
His immediate tasks include rallying party members, managing internal dissent, and strengthening the APC’s grip ahead of 2027 — a contest many believe could redefine Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
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