Who Is Nentawe Yilwatda, the New APC National Chairman?

On July 24, 2025, Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), made a big change in its leadership. During a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the party appointed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman. He replaced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who had held the position for years.

The decision is seen as a major political move, reportedly influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some key APC governors. Their aim is to prepare and strengthen the party for the 2027 general elections.

Who Is Nentawe Yilwatda?

Nentawe Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968 in Dungung, Plateau State. He is a professor of electrical engineering and once served as the ICT director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

From 2017 to 2021, he worked as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In 2023, he ran as the APC candidate for Plateau State governor but lost narrowly.

In late 2024, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Yilwatda is known for his academic background, calm personality, and relatively low political controversy. He is married to Dr. Martina Goshwe.

Why Was He Chosen?

• Zoning Politics: Leaders from Nigeria’s North-Central region pushed for the position, claiming they strongly supported APC in the 2023 elections and deserved the chairmanship.

• Tinubu’s Role: Political insiders believe President Tinubu personally backed Yilwatda’s appointment, seeing him as a unifying figure ahead of 2027.

• Factional Control: Ganduje’s sudden exit, officially for health reasons, is seen by some as part of a broader plan to remove independent power blocs within the party.

Challenges Ahead for Yilwatda

1. Zoning Tensions: Other APC strongholds, especially Kano, Kaduna, and Kwara, may feel sidelined.

2. Experience vs. Politics: Yilwatda is a technocrat. The question is—can he handle the political battles inside APC?

3. 2027 Readiness: The party needs unity and strategy to face a determined opposition.

What This Means for APC

Yilwatda’s appointment could help APC rebuild its image and strengthen internal unity. If he leads well, reforms the party, and brings warring factions together, APC could enter the 2027 elections stronger.

But if he is weakened by internal politics, his leadership may become just another short chapter in APC’s long list of power struggles.

In Nigerian politics, the APC chairman’s role is more than just a title—it is a key part of shaping the nation’s political future. For Nentawe Yilwatda, the next two years will decide if he is remembered as a unifier or just a placeholder.