The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has welcomed the emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the party's National Chairman, describing it as the successful culmination of over two years of advocacy for returning the position to the region.

Yilwatda, who also serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, was named APC National Chairman following the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. He immediately assumes leadership of the party, replacing Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on June 27, 2023.

In a statement released shortly after the NEC ratified Yilwatda's appointment, the North-Central APC Forum expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for "ensuring that justice prevailed at last in the resolution of the leadership question in the APC."

Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the Forum and a member of the APC campaign council in the 2023 election, stated: "This is a major milestone for stakeholders of the North-Central under the umbrella of the North-Central APC Forum. For more than two years we agitated that the position of National Chairman should return to the North-Central, in line with the current zoning arrangement. Our agitation was informed by the need for fairness and equity and in the course of this struggle we have gone to court, we led protests and issued open letters and several statements."

"We fought with doggedness but we respected the leaders of the party, even when decisions did not go our way on certain occasions. We are indeed glad that at last, justice has been done, our cries have been heard and the North-Central has been given what should rightfully come to it," the statement continued.

The Forum described President Tinubu as a listening leader who has demonstrated "uncommon political will and judgment" in driving key reforms that are putting Nigeria on the right course. They also thanked other party leaders and NEC members for the decision, assuring that it would galvanize the region to contribute more to the party's progress.

Notably, the Forum restated its pledge to deliver six million votes for Tinubu in the North-Central region during the 2027 elections. "President Bola Tinubu and the APC should not have any concerns concerning North-Central votes when he seeks reelection in 2027. In fact, we can assure that the North-Central is already in the bag. Our promise to deliver six million votes for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the next election is guaranteed," the statement emphasized.

The Forum highlighted Yilwatda's impressive credentials, noting his excellence both in academia and politics. They referenced his contributions at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he was a Senate member for over a decade and served as ICT director, developing a comprehensive 10-year strategy plan.

His successful tenure as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and his current role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, where he has expanded social protection services to millions of Nigerians, were also highlighted as testament to his capabilities.

Yilwatda was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in October 2024. He previously contested as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections and served as coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in the state.

The North-Central APC Forum has pledged its full support to Yilwatda in his new role and urged all APC stakeholders to rally behind the new National Chairman to advance the party's interests.

Stay updated with the latest political developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.