By John Umeh
In a significant development within Nigeria’s ruling party, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was ratified during a high-level National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Yilwatda’s emergence comes amid growing internal calls for reform, unity, and rebranding ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A technocrat with a background in engineering and public administration, Yilwatda brings a blend of professional experience and political acumen to the helm of Nigeria’s largest political party. He previously served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and more recently as the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State in the 2023 elections. His appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet further bolstered his national profile.
Party insiders say his rise to chairmanship is part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to consolidate power within the party and steer it toward stability, inclusivity, and disciplined governance. His leadership is expected to calm internal divisions, drive youth engagement, and solidify grassroots mobilization across the six geopolitical zones.
In his acceptance remarks, Yilwatda expressed gratitude to the party leadership and President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to be a bridge-builder, stating, “The APC must remain a strong, people-centered party. I will prioritize internal democracy, party discipline, and national cohesion.”
Reactions to his appointment have been mixed. While many APC stalwarts welcomed the choice, calling it a “breath of fresh air,” opposition figures questioned the growing trend of dual-role governance, where serving ministers occupy key political party positions.
Yilwatda replaces the outgoing interim chairman and is expected to hit the ground running, particularly in preparing the party for upcoming off-cycle elections and repositioning the APC as a formidable force in future national contests.
As Nigerians watch closely, all eyes will be on how the former humanitarian minister balances the complexities of party leadership with the APC’s evolving political dynamics.
