The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the emergence of Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the party’s new National Chairman.
Yilwatda’s selection was ratified on Wednesday following high-level consultations among party stakeholders. He is expected to resign from his ministerial position to formally assume the chairmanship role at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the position decades of experience in public service, governance, and academia.
Education and Career Background
A graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Yilwatda also holds a Master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He served as a lecturer and ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi for over a decade and has worked as a development consultant for both local and international organisations.
Between 2017 and 2021, he was the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after which he became the APC Governorship Candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections.
In the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, he played a significant role as State Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State.
His appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction came on October 23, 2024, a position he is now stepping down from to focus on steering the party.
Party Confidence and Expectations
Party insiders say Yilwatda’s track record in public service and his strong grassroots connection in Northern Nigeria positioned him as a consensus candidate to lead the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts expect that under his leadership, the APC will seek to consolidate its hold on power while managing internal party dynamics and national expectations.
More details on his formal inauguration and party strategy rollout are expected in the coming days.
