The reelected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared a new phase of unity, inclusion and political mobilisation for the ruling party, pledging resolute leadership and a clear path towards future electoral success.
He delivered a message of readiness and responsibility during his acceptance speech at the party’s National Convention, where delegates unanimously returned him unopposed.
“Today we stand before you, grateful, humbled, honoured and ready. We are ready to serve and lead, and we are ready to build a party and a nation together with you,” he said.
He attributed his emergence to divine providence, stating, “This moment belongs first to the almighty God, and we give him all the glory, for he is the giver of power, the sustainer of our nation and the author of our destiny.”
Appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party stakeholders, Yilwatda noted, “Your courage has not only led a government but has also rekindled the hope of a people… you are building a movement of all progressives.”
Describing his mandate as a solemn trust, he said: “I don’t see this position as a throne with a crown but as a duty with a burden of trust… and we take it with gratefulness.” He assured members of steadfast leadership, declaring, “We will not flinch, we will not falter, and we will succeed in serving you.”
On party ideology and cohesion, he emphasised unity and discipline: “We choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, maturity over chaos. This is what we are and that’s the APC way.”He added that the party would remain inclusive—“where every member will belong, where every voice will be heard, and where every dream will count.”
Highlighting inclusion as central to the party’s direction, he said, “We will empower youths because they are not just the future, but they are the huge and important part of our today. We will elevate the women because inclusion is not an option; it is essential for us as a party.”
On governance outcomes, he pointed to reforms, noting: “All economic reforms that are stabilising our public finances and economy… massive investment in infrastructure… expansion of digital innovation… these are not promises, but the outcomes.”
Looking ahead, he declared, “Making 2027 not just a hope but a matter of certainty. Therefore, let us organise, let us mobilise, and let us energise because victory is surely in sight.”
He concluded with a firm assurance to party faithful: “Every member of our great party, we declare that we are standing here; we will not let you down.”
The Nentawe Yilwatda led national executive includes Mary Alile-Idele, national women leader; Dayo Israel national youth leader; Tolu Bankole, Persons With Disability leader; Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary, amongst others, who have all taken the oath of office.