Humanitarian affairs Minister Prof Nentawe Yilwatda emerges new APC National chairman

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has emerged as the new National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His appointment follows the resignation of former chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down citing health concerns. Yilwatda’s selection was finalized after a late-night meeting between President Bola Tinubu and APC governors, with his nomination expected to be ratified at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, 2025.

A technocrat with a blend of academic, bureaucratic, and political experience, Yilwatda is seen as a strategic choice to restore credibility to the APC ahead of future elections.

His Christian faith and North-Central origin also align with the party’s efforts to balance religious and regional representation, given the current Muslim-Muslim presidency.

Yilwatda’s emergence signals a shift in the APC’s leadership strategy, emphasizing inclusivity and administrative competence. Before his ministerial role, he served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for INEC and was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections.

His appointment is widely viewed as an attempt by President Tinubu to consolidate party control while addressing internal discontent.

However, some critics question his political depth, given his relatively recent entry into the APC.

Despite these concerns, his selection has been met with approval from key stakeholders, including the Progressive Governors Forum, reinforcing his position as a unifying figure for the party.