The New APC Chairman: Who Is Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda?

From Engineer to APC Chairman

In a significant shakeup within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has officially emerged as the new National Chairman of the party, replacing Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State governor, who resigned. The announcement came during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. It was Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, leader of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, who moved the motion for Yilwatda’s confirmation. The motion was swiftly seconded by House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and within minutes, Yilwatda was sworn in at exactly 2:50 p.m., making him the new face of leadership in Nigeria’s most dominant political party.

But who exactly is Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda? What makes him fit for such a pivotal role in a party that controls Nigeria’s federal government and most states? And what does his appointment mean for the future of the APC and Nigerian politics as a whole? Let’s explore the story behind the man making waves in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The Making of a Technocrat: Yilwatda’s Background in Engineering and Governance

Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung village, located in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda’s journey began in a deeply rooted Christian household. He is the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda, a humble background that shaped both his moral values and intellectual discipline.

Yilwatda’s first steps toward national relevance started not in the political arena but in engineering and technology. He studied Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, graduating in 1992. With a thirst for academic and professional excellence, he pursued a Master’s degree in Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, before attaining the prestigious title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His educational pedigree didn’t stop there. He took things global when he received international training in e-governance from the United Nations University in Macau, China. This background gives him a unique advantage merging deep technical knowledge with policy application in the digital era.

Long before entering the gritty field of partisan politics, Yilwatda was a respected academic and technocrat, having worked in both private and public sectors. His blend of intellect and managerial capability placed him at the intersection of technology, governance, and human development, making him one of the few political figures with real-world skills that go beyond political rhetoric.

Yilwatda’s Political Journey and Achievements

While Yilwatda may have started as an engineer, he transitioned into politics with remarkable impact. His entry was far from casual he became a governorship candidate of the APC in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections, one of the most hotly contested elections in the country. As the coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign in Plateau State, Yilwatda played a strategic role in securing support for the now-president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the North Central region. His campaign was widely praised for its grassroots outreach, technical organization, and effective messaging.

Despite losing the gubernatorial election to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Yilwatda did not retreat. He legally contested the results up to the Supreme Court but ultimately accepted the judgment. This move showcased his respect for judicial institutions and the democratic process, traits not often displayed in Nigerian politics. His post-election conduct earned him widespread respect, even among political opponents. It also further solidified his reputation within the APC as a stabilizing force, a man of principle, and someone capable of rising above partisan bitterness to serve the bigger picture.

Thanks to his growing popularity and competence, Yilwatda became a front runner for a ministerial position. He was eventually appointed as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, a role that placed him at the center of Nigeria’s social welfare agenda, including responsibilities over the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs), N-Power, and poverty reduction schemes across the country. His time in the ministry, though brief, was marked by a push for transparency and digital restructuring of the welfare system, drawing from his background in digital systems and e-governance.

Then came the NEC meeting of July 25, 2025, where everything changed. Abdullahi Ganduje, the embattled former National Chairman, stepped down, and the APC wasted no time in installing Yilwatda as his successor. His swearing-in was witnessed by top party leaders, ministers, governors, and lawmakers, signaling a new chapter in APC’s leadership.

What Yilwatda’s Appointment Means for the APC and Nigeria’s Political Landscape

At a time when the APC faces internal divisions, public scrutiny, and the pressure of delivering good governance, Nentawe Yilwatda brings something refreshing to the table, a calm, intelligent, and technocratic approach to leadership. Unlike many traditional politicians whose careers are defined by patronage and populism, Yilwatda is cut from a different cloth. He is part of a new generation of Nigerian leaders, those who believe that competence, not noise, wins the long game.

He Balances Intelligence and Integrity : Yilwatda’s academic and technical achievements prove he understands the complexities of modern governance. His clean record and principled decision making in the aftermath of the Plateau election have earned him trust, even from those outside his party.

He Is a Strategic Bridge-Builder: With strong alliances in Plateau and deep connections across northern Nigeria, Yilwatda is seen as a bridge between technocrats and politicians, North and South, young and old. His relationship with former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has also helped him navigate the power corridors of the APC with agility and insight.

He Understands the Grassroots and the Global Stage: Few politicians can move seamlessly from local ward politics to addressing international audiences. Yilwatda can. His experience in coordinating the Tinubu/Shettima campaign proves his grassroots mobilization skills, while his academic background gives him global perspective, a rare and powerful combination.

He Offers Fresh Leadership for a Troubled Party: Let’s not forget that the APC is in a period of transition. From internal party wrangling to mounting criticism of its governance style, the party needs a unifier, someone who can rebuild its image, manage egos, and deliver reform. Yilwatda might just be that person.

He Represents the North Central’s Rising Political Influence: Coming from Plateau State in the North Central Zone, his appointment also rebalances Nigeria’s regional power dynamics. With most political heavyweights historically coming from the North West or South West, his emergence symbolizes an expansion of leadership opportunities to often overlooked regions.

Can the Professor Engineer the APC’s Revival?

As Nigeria navigates economic instability, youth unrest, and calls for better governance, political leadership is more crucial than ever. And with the 2027 general elections not too far away, the APC needs a steady hand at the wheel. That’s what the party is banking on with Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a man whose career spans classrooms, boardrooms, campaign grounds, and now the highest office in his political party.

But leadership is not just about qualifications or connections, it’s about results. The question now is: Can Prof. Yilwatda translate his clean image and smart thinking into tangible party reforms and national influence? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: with a background in engineering, governance, and political strategy, Nentawe is no stranger to designing systems and fixing broken ones. The APC might just have found its new architect OR ************ Read More