APC Picks Nentawe Yilwatda As New National Chairman

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has selected Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its new national chairman, following the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje due to health concerns.

Yilwatda, who currently serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, hails from Plateau State and was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections. A former university lecturer, he brings both academic and political experience to the role.

His nomination was the outcome of a late-night meeting in Abuja between President Bola Tinubu and APC governors. The party’s National Executive Committee is expected to ratify his appointment later today.

At 56, Yilwatda’s emergence aligns with the APC’s zoning formula, which reserves the chairmanship for the North-Central region—comprising Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states.

Party insiders say his Christian background played a role in the decision, as both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are Muslims. Leaders believe his appointment will project religious balance and broaden the party’s appeal.

A senior APC figure described Yilwatda as “young, smart, well-educated, and untainted by political scandal.” The party sees him as a fresh face capable of restoring public trust and strengthening its image ahead of future elections.