Following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in June, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new national chairman.
His unanimous emergence at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday marks a significant leadership shift within Nigeria’s ruling party.
Here are five key facts about the new APC National Chairman:
1. Born in Plateau State, August 1968
Professor Yilwatda hails from Plateau State in Nigeria’s North Central region. Born on August 8, 1968, he is a distinguished academic, engineer, and politician with decades of experience in public service and academia.
2. Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management
Until his emergence as APC chairman, Yilwatda served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. He was appointed in October 2024 following the suspension of his predecessor, Dr. Betta Edu, over a financial scandal. His tenure was marked by renewed efforts to coordinate relief responses and social welfare programs.
3. APC Gubernatorial Candidate in 2023
Yilwatda was the APC’s flag bearer in the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State. Although unsuccessful at the polls, he remained a key political figure in the state and within the party.
4. Former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State
Between July 2017 and December 2021, Yilwatda served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benue State, where he was credited with overseeing multiple election cycles with a focus on transparency and the use of technology.
5. Veteran Academic and ICT Director
Before venturing fully into politics, Yilwatda had a longstanding academic career. He served as Director of Information and Communication Technology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, for 12 years.
His academic background in engineering and digital systems remains central to his technocratic approach to governance and party administration.
Professor Yilwatda’s appointment comes at a time when the APC is seeking to consolidate internal unity and reposition itself ahead of future electoral cycles.
Party leaders and stakeholders have expressed confidence that his mix of academic rigor, administrative experience, and political exposure will bring renewed focus to the party’s national agenda.
