The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman. The decision, reached by consensus during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, also extended the tenure of zonal, state, council, and ward executives until December 31, 2025.
Addressing party leaders at the meeting, President Bola Tinubu called on APC governors to intensify grassroots engagement to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” he said. “Governors must ‘wet the grass’—be more present in communities and deliver real change. Our democracy depends on it.”
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security and inclusive governance, urging more Nigerians to join the APC’s progressive movement.
“Our doors remain open. Let’s embrace all who wish to join and bring fresh ideas,” he said, dismissing the opposition as “a coalition of confusion.”
He tasked the new Chairman with forming a National Working Committee team to visit states and ensure new members are properly registered and integrated into the party structure.
The President thanked outgoing Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for his service and for developing a progressive ideological framework for the party. He encouraged the National Secretary to revitalise and institutionalise this effort.
Turning to infrastructure, Tinubu called on the 23 APC governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to identify land for a new APC national secretariat in Abuja, describing it as a legacy project for the party.
On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged challenges but cited progress, including a record N14.9 trillion revenue collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service in the first half of 2025—a 43% increase from 2024 figures.
“Stabilising the economy hasn’t been easy,” he said. “But we’re on the path to sustained growth.”
Regarding national security, the President reported major strides in the fight against terrorism and banditry but stressed the need for continued vigilance and investment in people-centered security solutions.
The President also welcomed several high-profile politicians into the APC, including Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
The meeting observed a minute of silence for former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as recently deceased statesmen Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona of Ijebuland, whose contributions to national development were praised.
Yilwatda Pledges Party Unity, Reform
In his acceptance speech, Professor Yilwatda expressed gratitude to the party and the President for entrusting him with the role, pledging to build a stronger, more united APC.
“I do not take this mandate lightly,” he said. “We are all mechanics of this vehicle—the APC—and together, we will fix it and drive it forward. I will work with every member to expand and strengthen our party.”
He will step down from his role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to assume the Chairmanship.
Outgoing Acting Chairman, Engr. Bukar Dalori, thanked the President and APC governors for ensuring a smooth leadership transition following Ganduje’s resignation.
Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?
Born August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Prof. Yilwatda is an academic, digital reformer, and policy expert. He holds degrees from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; ATBU, Bauchi; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering.
He spent over 26 years in academia, earning accolades for innovation and digital leadership, and later consulted for global development partners including the EU, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
Appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner in 2017, he led electoral reforms supporting IDPs, PWDs, and digital voting integration. He resigned in 2021 to contest the Plateau State governorship under the APC and served as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign in 2023.
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