Yilwatda Emerges APC National Chairman as Tinubu Urges Grassroots Focus and Party Expansion

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman following a consensus decision at the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The appointment comes as President Bola Tinubu charged party leaders, particularly state governors, to deepen grassroots engagement and deliver on the expectations of Nigerians.

Professor Yilwatda, who until now served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, takes over from the immediate past Acting Chairman, Engr. Bukar Dalori, who assumed the role following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. The NEC also extended the tenure of party executives at zonal, state, council, and ward levels until December 31, 2025.

In his remarks, President Tinubu stressed the importance of connecting with ordinary citizens at the grassroots, urging APC governors to increase their presence and responsiveness.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” the President stated. “You, the governors, must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands.”

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to food security, inclusive governance, and internal party growth. “To those working with me to achieve food sovereignty, we will continue to work hard for you, Nigerians, and to listen to everyone to achieve the national goals,” he added.

President Tinubu praised the contributions of the former National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje, particularly his efforts toward developing a progressive party ideology and establishing a party institute. He called on the new leadership to build on these foundations.

The President also proposed the construction of a permanent party secretariat in Abuja, urging APC governors to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory administration to identify land and commence the project.

On the economy, Tinubu highlighted progress made under his leadership, citing the N14.9 trillion in revenue collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service in the first half of 2025 — a 43% increase from the previous year. He assured party members and Nigerians of continued stability and growth.

On security, he reported significant gains in combating insurgency and banditry. “Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised,” he said. “We must invest more in our people and remain committed to national security.”

The President used the occasion to welcome new members to the party, including Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and encouraged more progressive-minded Nigerians to join the APC. He described the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and emphasised that the APC’s doors remain open to new entrants.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as late elder statesmen Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona (the Awujale of Ijebuland), whom the President described as national icons whose legacies deserve respect, regardless of party affiliation.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in him.

“Thank you for choosing me from among millions of party members. I do not take this mandate for granted,” he said. “We are all mechanics of this vehicle—the APC—and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination.”

The new Chairman pledged to prioritise unity, expansion, and the mobilisation of new members. He promised to lead an inclusive party that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and aligns with the “Renewed Hope” vision of the administration.

Prof. Yilwatda brings decades of experience in academia, governance, and electoral reform. A renowned ICT expert and former Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, he has consulted for major global institutions including the World Bank, UNICEF, and the European Union. As INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, he was instrumental in technological reforms to Nigeria’s electoral process.

The NEC meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Engr. Bukar Dalori, who praised the President and the Progressive Governors’ Forum for their leadership and stability during the transition.

With his appointment, Prof. Yilwatda becomes the latest in a line of technocrats and reform-minded politicians tasked with leading the APC into its next phase, ahead of key local and national elections.

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