The newly sworn-in National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda says he does not take the mandate given to him by the party for granted.
Yilwatda pledged to work with party members at all levels to strengthen the APC’s structure, grow its membership base, and fulfill the aspirations of Nigerians.
Professor Yilwatda was elected as the National Chairman of the APC on Thursday, hen the party held its National Executive Council meeting.
“I accept this mandate with gratitude, with a full heart and a focused mind,” Professor Yilwatda said.
“We are the mechanics of this great party, and the party is our vehicle. Together, we will fix it and drive it to the destination of renewed hope.”
He assured members that his leadership would prioritise unity, inclusiveness, and the consolidation of the APC’s position as Nigeria’s dominant political force.
“I will work with everybody in the party to unite and expand it. The dream of Nigerians who have placed their hopes in our Renewed Hope Agenda must not be disappointed,” he stated.
Professor Yilwatda, who previously served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and was APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Plateau State, was also Minister of Humanitarian Affairs before his elevation.
The seasoned engineer and academic was born on August 8, 1968, to the family of a clergy in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, North-central, Nigeria.
A trained electrical engineer, Professor Yilwatda holds memberships in professional bodies including COREN, the Nigeria Society of Engineers, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The NEC meeting was also marked by strategic leadership decisions. Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, moved several motions which he said aimed at rebalancing the party’s leadership across geopolitical zones.
The motions include: Zoning the office of the National Chairman from the Northwest to the North-Central, paving way for Professor Yilwatda’s nomination, Reassigning the National Legal Adviser role from North-Central to the Northwest, now filled by Barr. Motala Kugia of Katsina State.
Others include: Appointing Professor Abubakar Kana, the former Legal Adviser, as the new Deputy National Secretary and extending the tenure of APC ward, local government, State, and zonal executives until December 31, 2025.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, seconded the motions, which were unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Governor Uzodimma lauded the APC’s direction under President Bola Tinubu, calling for focus and unity.
“A new era of strategic governance is taking root under President Tinubu’s leadership. We must stay committed and responsive to the Nigerian people. As we modernise operations, including our membership e-registration, we are strengthening internal democracy and increasing inclusion,” he said.
He also thanked former National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his service and expressed optimism that the party would continue to build on his foundation.
Confidence Okwuchi