ABUJA, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as its new National Chairman, in a move described by party leaders as a consensus effort to strengthen unity and recalibrate strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda’s appointment was formally ratified on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where stakeholders convened to set the tone for the party’s future direction.
His emergence follows the resignation of former chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who officially stepped down on Friday June 27, 2025.
The appointment was adopted as a consensus resolution of the NEC.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State moved the motion for Yilwatda’s elevation, which was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Party officials described the decision as both “pragmatic and symbolic,” reflecting the APC’s desire for stable and unifying leadership ahead of crucial off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Osun and Anambra States.
Yilwatda, a former governorship candidate in Plateau State and respected academic, is widely seen within party ranks as a technocrat with strong grassroots connections.
He is credited with a calm leadership style and policy expertise, traits that members say are vital as the APC moves into a more strategic phase.
“He brings both policy depth and political tact to the job,” said one senior party official at the NEC meeting.
“This is what the APC needs now — quiet competence, not bluster.”
Yilwatda’s background in public service and his performance as minister are believed to have helped build confidence among party stalwarts who were seeking a chairman with a clean slate and broad acceptability.
