An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain and Diaspora leader, Prince Ade Omole, has described the election of Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as the party's national chairman as timely and strategic for the party's future.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Omole, who served as the Director of the defunct APC Presidential Diaspora Campaign Directorate in 2023 and is a member of the Global Conveners of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), emphasized that Yilwatda's election represents a bold step in the right direction for the ruling party.
"We are confident that under Yilwatda's leadership, the APC will be further repositioned for grassroots engagement, institutional reforms, and electoral dominance ahead of 2027 general elections," Omole stated.
Prof Yilwatda was elected unopposed during the party's 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Thursday. His nomination, put forward by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF), received overwhelming support through a voice vote by NEC members.
Omole commended President Bola Tinubu and other party stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful transition process. "I wholeheartedly congratulate President Tinubu for guiding the party through this moment of transition with wisdom and unity. The emergence of Yilwatda as APC National Chairman affirms the party's commitment to capacity, competence, and continuity," he said.
Profile of the New APC Chairman
Prior to his election, Prof Yilwatda served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government of Plateau State, Yilwatda brings significant administrative and electoral experience to his new role.
His professional background includes appointment as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2017, where he served as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State. Yilwatda was also the APC Plateau governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.
The new chairman is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and holds membership in several professional bodies including the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Nigeria Society of Engineers, and Solar Society of Nigeria.
Yilwatda's appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down as APC National Chairman on June 27 citing health reasons.
In his remarks, Omole also praised TAG's Co-Convener, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), for his exemplary service to the nation and commitment to the groundbreaking solarisation initiative aimed at lighting up communities across Nigeria.
Political analysts view this leadership transition as crucial for the APC as it prepares for the challenges ahead, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
Stay updated with the latest political developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
