By Joy Odor
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the party’s new National Chairman.
Prof. Yilwatda whose swearing-in took place during an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, succeeds Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned from the position citing pressing private matters.
The ceremony was conducted in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, several APC governors, senators, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The announcement was made by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Nentawe’s leadership.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, moved several motions which he said aimed at rebalancing the party’s leadership across geopolitical zones.
The motions include: Zoning the office of the National Chairman from the Northwest to the North-Central, paving way for Professor Yilwatda’s nomination, Reassigning the National Legal Adviser role from North-Central to the Northwest, now filled by Barr. Motala Kugia of Katsina State.
Others include: Appointing Professor Abubakar Kana, the former Legal Adviser, as the new Deputy National Secretary and extending the tenure of APC ward, local government, State, and zonal executives until December 31, 2025.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, seconded the motions, which were unanimously adopted by voice vote.
The election of Yilwatda marks a new chapter for the ruling party, as it taps into his blend of academic excellence, governance experience, and reform-driven leadership to steer the party into a new era.
Yilwatda’s emergence as APC National Chairman is widely seen as a strategic move to reposition the party ahead of upcoming national and off-cycle elections.
His technocratic background, digital policy acumen, and grassroots political experience are expected to influence a more reform-oriented leadership style within the party.
Party members and political observers have welcomed his election, expressing optimism that his appointment will strengthen internal party cohesion and drive forward-looking policies aligned with national development goals.
In his remarks after the swearing-in, Nentawe promised to uphold discipline, foster unity, and reposition the APC for greater victories in future elections.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke LGA of Plateau State, Yilwatda is a renowned academic, seasoned technocrat, and reform advocate with deep roots in public service and technology-driven governance.
An alumnus of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, he holds a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He spent over 26 years in academia, rising to become the pioneer Director of ICT at his alma mater, where he led digital reforms that automated university systems and earned him numerous accolades.
Yilwatda’s influence extends far beyond academia.
He has served as a consultant to global organizations including the World Bank, European Union, UNICEF, and TECHVILE USA, championing the integration of digital solutions in both public and private sectors.
His foray into public administration began with his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2017.
While at INEC, he was instrumental in advancing electoral reforms, including frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as well as the adoption of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In 2021, Yilwatda resigned from INEC to pursue elective office, emerging as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State in the 2023 elections.
He also served as the Plateau State Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization during the general elections.
Currently serving as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yilwatda is also a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
