A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State in 2017, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his nomination and election by the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, nominated him for the position, and the motion was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
The motion was then put to a voice vote and passed by NEC members present at the meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
His emergence came at a time when the APC aims to consolidate its hold on power at the federal level and in some states whose governors recently defected to the ruling party.
The 56-year-old Yilwatda takes over from Abdullahi Ganduje as the chairman of the party after the latter resigned from the position in June, citing personal reasons.
Yilwatda, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is also a seasoned academic, digital systems expert, and former APC governorship candidate in Plateau State, hails from Dungung in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. Born on 8 August 1968, he brings to the role a unique blend of technocratic experience, digital innovation, and political engagement.
Prior to entering politics, Yilwatda was a respected lecturer and ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
He was appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State by INEC in 2017, where he was praised for introducing more accessible and transparent voting systems, particularly for internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities.
His political profile rose in 2022 when he won the APC ticket for the Plateau State governorship race. Despite a narrow defeat in the 2023 general election to PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang, Yilwatda maintained a strong presence in state and national politics.
In his acceptance speech on Wednesday, Yilwatda pledged to reposition the APC for greater internal unity, digital transformation, and stronger grassroots engagement. “It is a privilege to serve this party that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he said. “I am committed to ensuring that our platform remains inclusive, forward-looking, and representative of every Nigerian voice.”
With his new role, Prof. Yilwatda is expected to resign from his ministerial post in line with party and constitutional provisions. A formal handover at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is expected within days.
