In a swift yet significant move, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Nentawe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman. The announcement was made during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Thursday in Abuja — and it came with little drama but plenty of political weight.
Yilwatda, who currently serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, now steps into one of the most powerful party leadership positions in the country. His nomination was put forward by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, and quickly seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
With a simple voice vote, the NEC adopted the motion — and just like that, the APC has a new captain steering the ship.
Who is Nentawe Yilwatda?
Though relatively quiet in public political showmanship, Yilwatda is no stranger to leadership. A former university don and technocrat, he served as Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC in Benue State before joining the political fray. His background in engineering and development work has often been cited as a strength, especially now as the APC looks to project a more reform-minded image.
As Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yilwatda has had a tough job. With millions of Nigerians grappling with the rising cost of living and widespread poverty, his role has been one of firefighting — and occasionally, fielding blame.
Now, with his new APC title, the stakes just got higher.
Party insiders say Yilwatda’s emergence is part of a broader strategy to stabilise the APC ahead of 2027. After recent defections and some internal bickering — the kind that even party faithful won’t deny over suya and small chops — the APC is trying to close ranks.
His appointment signals a balancing act: a Northern technocrat with a reformist image who might not ruffle too many feathers within the party’s diverse power blocs.
In Nigerian politics, where loyalty and regional dynamics can outweigh CVs and clean reputations, Yilwatda’s selection is seen as a calculated compromise. “It’s about time we brought in someone with both brains and backbone,” a senior APC member whispered after the meeting.
With local and international eyes on Nigeria’s political climate, Yilwatda has his work cut out. From calming internal squabbles to managing the optics of governance at the federal level, his new role comes with a long to-do list — and very little room for missteps.
Nigerians are watching closely. And in typical fashion, many are asking: Will this be another political figurehead or someone who can truly steer the APC towards meaningful reform?
Time will tell. For now, Nentawe Yilwatda has the party’s microphone — and the challenge of uniting a party that, at times, seems to agree only when it’s time to shout “aye” during voice votes.
One thing is clear though: the APC isn’t taking chances in the run-up to future elections. And with Yilwatda now in the driver’s seat, the political engine is revving again. Whether it cruises smoothly or hits potholes will depend on how well he balances loyalty, performance, and party expectations.
But hey, in Nigerian politics, that’s the real JAMB question.
