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Abuja, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, as the new National Chairman of the ruling party.
The announcement was made during the party’s 14th NEC meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Thursday.
The nomination of Nentawe was moved by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Nentawe was immediately sworn into office at 2:50 PM in the presence of key party officials and stakeholders.
A native of Plateau State in Nigeria’s North Central region, he was the APC's gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election.
Taking over from former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned due to health reasons, Nentawe becomes the party’s 7th National Chairman.
Speaking during his official assumption of office at the APC national secretariat, the former minister likened the party’s leadership to a team of mechanics fixing a vehicle and pledged to rebuild the APC into a model political institution.
“All of us here, particularly the National Working Committee, are the mechanics; the party is the vehicle that we will repair. We will drive it, we will work it out, and ensure we reach our desired destination,” he said.
“It’s a collective effort, and I’m confident that by the time we all work together, this party will excel, bringing joy and pride to the entire nation. That is my vision for this party under our collective leadership.”
Yilwatda also assured party faithful of significant growth ahead of the 2027 general elections. “With God’s grace, I am certain that the 2027 election is a done deal for APC,” he stated.
“We expect more governors, senators, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, and party members to join our fold. Our doors are wide open.”
Reacting to the development, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement that Yilwatda’s background and extensive experience would be instrumental in repositioning the party for future success.
“Professor Yilwatda brings an abundance of administrative, technical, and political experience to his new role,” Morka noted.
“As a former Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State (2017–2021), and the Director-General of the Plateau State Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Organization, he is well-prepared for this responsibility.
We congratulate our National Chairman and pray for God’s guidance as he leads our great party to new heights.”
The APC, under Nentawe’s leadership, is expected to intensify internal reforms and broaden its appeal across the country as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
