By Rafiyat Sadiq
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman, following the resignation of his predecessor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria, was sworn in on Thursday during the ongoing National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Dr Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, stepped down on June 27, citing health concerns. His resignation paved the way for the party leadership to nominate a successor. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), formally nominated Yilwatda, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, seconded the motion.
READ ALSO: Confusion Rocks APC as Ganduje Resigns as National Chairman
Yilwatda, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, and other party leaders for entrusting him with what he described as “a heavy but honourable responsibility.”
“I do not take this mandate for granted,” Yilwatda said. “I accept it with gratitude and a full heart. I pledge to lead with fairness, build unity, and expand the party in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. I will not allow personal interests to interfere with my duty, and I will treat all party members with fairness.”
Yilwatda further assured the party that he would work collaboratively with all members to reposition the APC and fulfil the aspirations of Nigerians who, according to him, have placed their hope in the party’s leadership.
“Our party is a vehicle. We are its mechanics. Together, we will fix it and move it toward our chosen destination,” he declared.
The NEC meeting was attended by top party leaders, including President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate and House leadership, APC governors, and other stakeholders.
Yilwatda is expected to swear in other newly approved party executives at the APC National Secretariat in the coming days.
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (born 8 August 1968) is a Nigerian politician from Plateau State, an engineer, and an academic who serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024.
Yilwatda was the flagrunner for his party in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Plateau State.
Between July 2017 and December 2021, he held the position of resident electoral commissioner in Benue State. Also, he was the ICT director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, for 12 years
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
