Newly appointed All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has committed to unifying the ruling party nationwide and expanding its organizational structure in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking immediately after his confirmation at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Yilwatda emphasized his inclusive leadership approach and determination to strengthen party cohesion across all levels.
“I pledge without hesitation that I will work with everybody in the party… I will expand the party with you,” the new chairman declared, outlining his vision for broader party participation and enhanced organizational capacity.
Yilwatda’s appointment followed a strategic motion by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also serves as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, proposing that the national chairmanship position be zoned to the North Central region.
Governor Uzodimma subsequently nominated Yilwatda for the leadership position, with the motion receiving support from House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who provided the seconding endorsement.
The new chairman brings substantial academic and administrative credentials to his role, holding the rank of professor of engineering while maintaining extensive experience in electoral administration and information technology management.
Yilwatda previously served as the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections, demonstrating his commitment to party politics at the state level before ascending to national leadership.
His professional background includes tenure as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and service as ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, providing him with both electoral oversight experience and technological expertise.
In a significant organizational decision taken during the same NEC meeting, the APC extended the tenure of Ward, Local Government, and State Executive Committees until December 31, 2025.
The extension was approved during Thursday’s 14th National Executive Committee meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, providing additional time for party restructuring and membership consolidation efforts.
This tenure extension aligns with the party’s broader strategy to accommodate potential defectors and strengthen organizational capacity ahead of the crucial 2027 electoral cycle.
The decision allows existing executive committees at various levels to continue their functions while the party implements comprehensive reforms and expansion initiatives under Yilwatda’s leadership.
Professor Yilwatda’s appointment represents a shift toward academic and technocratic leadership within the APC, bringing specialized knowledge in engineering and information technology to party administration.
His commitment to working with all party members suggests an inclusive approach aimed at healing internal divisions and creating a more cohesive organizational structure.
The new chairman’s emphasis on party expansion indicates plans to broaden the APC’s membership base and strengthen its presence in regions where opposition parties have maintained significant influence.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Yilwatda faces the immediate challenge of maintaining party unity while implementing strategic reforms to ensure the APC’s continued electoral dominance across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.
His academic background and administrative experience are expected to bring a fresh perspective to party management, potentially introducing innovative approaches to political organization and campaign strategy.
