Who Is Nentawe Yilwatda? APC’s New National Chairman

In a move that signals a strategic shift within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman. His emergence follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and was ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during a high-level meeting in Abuja on July 24, 2025.

Yilwatda’s ascension is being hailed as a bold step toward repositioning the APC with a more technocratic, inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Early Life and Educational Background

Born on August 8, 1968, in Dugung, a small community in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda hails from the North Central region of Nigeria. He belongs to the Ngas ethnic group and was raised in a modest Christian home.

A brilliant student from a young age, he earned a degree in Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He later pursued advanced studies and holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering, with specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Communications.

His solid academic background would later influence both his professional and political trajectory.

Academic and Professional Career

Before entering politics, Yilwatda carved out an impressive career in academia and the public service.

• He served as a Lecturer and later Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he led digital transformation projects across departments.
• His commitment to innovation and education saw him participate in several national and international ICT projects, contributing to Nigeria’s digital modernization efforts.

He is also a member of professional bodies including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

INEC Tenure: Reforms and Impact

In 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He served in this capacity until 2021.

During his tenure at INEC, Yilwatda championed several reform-driven initiatives:

• Pioneered the inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process.
• Advocated for and deployed technology-enabled voting procedures, particularly in rural areas.
• Was instrumental in voter education and strengthening democratic participation in Benue and surrounding regions.

His reputation for transparency and efficiency gained him nationwide recognition.

Political Ambitions: The 2023 Gubernatorial Race

In 2021, Yilwatda resigned from INEC and declared his interest in politics. He contested for the governorship of Plateau State on the platform of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

His campaign was anchored on the theme “The Generation Next Movement”, focusing on:

• Youth empowerment
• Agricultural innovation
• Security and peacebuilding
• Good governance driven by data and technology

Despite his dynamic campaign, he narrowly lost the election to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, the run gave him greater visibility and strengthened his political profile.

Ministerial Appointment

Recognizing his leadership potential, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in October 2024.

During his brief ministerial tenure:

• He improved the coordination of humanitarian responses in crisis-prone areas like the North-East.
• He launched a national digital database for tracking relief materials and vulnerable groups.
• He strengthened collaboration with local and international humanitarian organizations.

Emergence as APC National Chairman

Yilwatda’s election as APC National Chairman in July 2025 was the outcome of weeks of internal consultation between President Tinubu, APC governors, and other party stakeholders. His nomination was presented and adopted unanimously at the NEC meeting, signaling broad-based support.

Why He Was Chosen

1. Zoning and Balance: His emergence satisfies regional and religious balancing within the party’s leadership, coming from the North Central zone and being a Christian.
2. Technocratic Edge: He represents a break from traditional political power brokers, his academic and reformist background resonates with the youth and intellectual class.
3. Integrity and Credibility: His unblemished record in INEC and the public service positioned him as a trusted figure to manage internal party affairs.
4. Vision for Unity: Party stakeholders believe he can reconcile factions and rejuvenate the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yilwatda’s Vision as APC Chairman

Upon taking office, Yilwatda delivered a message centered on reconciliation, restructuring, and renewal. He vowed to:

• Rebuild trust within the party through inclusiveness and dialogue.
• Strengthen internal democracy by conducting transparent congresses and primaries.
• Focus on grassroots mobilization, ensuring that party decisions are reflective of members’ aspirations.
• Promote digital governance and data-driven decision-making within party structures.

He also emphasized the importance of emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as “a tough man with a gentle tone.”

Personal Life

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is married to Dr. Martina Goshwe Yilwatda, a medical professional, and they have children together. He is deeply religious, committed to Christian values, and has been involved in various humanitarian and youth mentorship programs.

The emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC’s new National Chairman is more than just a political appointment, it represents a calculated shift toward youth inclusion, data-driven governance, and a new political era within the ruling party.

With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections looming on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Yilwatda can unite the APC, rebuild its public image, and restore confidence in its internal democratic processes.

Only time will tell if this former professor-turned-politician will truly redefine party leadership in Africa’s largest democracy.