Nentawe Yilwatda Appointed New Chairman of APC in Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman, a move that signifies a notable shift in leadership within Nigeria’s ruling party. This decision was confirmed during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, where Yilwatda was sworn in immediately. He succeeds Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned amidst ongoing discussions about the party’s strategy and leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda, who is currently the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is an accomplished academic and digital systems expert, hailing from Kanke Local Government Area in Plateau State. Born on August 8, 1968, he has a strong background in technology and politics, having previously been a governorship candidate for the APC in Plateau State.

Before his ministerial role, which he assumed in October 2024, Yilwatda served as a lecturer and ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He garnered recognition as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State in 2017, where he was praised for enhancing voting accessibility and transparency, particularly for vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons and individuals with disabilities.

In 2022, Yilwatda secured the APC nomination for the Plateau State governorship but faced a narrow defeat in the 2023 general election to the People’s Democratic Party’s Caleb Mutfwang. Despite this setback, he has maintained a significant presence in Nigerian politics. His ministerial efforts earned him a spot among Nigeria’s top 50 influential leaders in the digital economy, as recognized by IT Edge News Africa in 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda expressed a commitment to fostering internal unity within the APC, driving digital transformation, and enhancing grassroots engagement. “It is a privilege to serve this party that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he stated. “I am committed to ensuring that our platform remains inclusive, forward-looking, and representative of every Nigerian voice.”

His appointment is viewed as an initiative to rejuvenate the party’s leadership and attract younger, technocratic talent in preparation for upcoming electoral challenges. Political analysts suggest that Yilwatda’s data-driven approach and established integrity will be crucial in stabilising the APC amid growing opposition and internal divisions.

Nevertheless, Yilwatda’s ministerial record has not been free from criticism. In June 2025, the North-Central APC Forum accused him of inadequate responses to humanitarian crises in Plateau State, alleging his ministry overlooked communities affected by violence and displacement. They also attributed the party’s loss in the 2023 governorship election to his leadership.

In response to these claims, Yilwatda defended his ministry’s operations, asserting transparency and accountability. Supporters argue that his technocratic expertise and commitment to evidence-based policies uniquely position him to tackle Nigeria’s complex challenges.

Yilwatda’s elevation to National Chairman is the result of months of consultations with key stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It is also viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the APC’s influence in the North-Central region, which has become an increasingly competitive political landscape.

As he transitions into his new role, Yilwatda is expected to resign from his ministerial position, adhering to party and constitutional guidelines. A formal handover at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is anticipated within days.

With Yilwatda at the helm, the APC is expected to adopt a more inclusive, reform-oriented, and digitally-driven approach to governance and political mobilisation, setting the stage for a transformative period as the party prepares for future elections.