The National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, is in mourning following the death of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.
She passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday morning at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State.
Her passing has elicited a wave of condolences from political leaders, religious communities, and party members across the nation, marking a profound moment of grief for the Yilwatda family and the wider APC community.
The Plateau State chapter of the APC confirmed the sad news in a statement issued at the weekend by the party’s acting Publicity Secretary, Mr Shittu Bamaiyi. He described Mama Lydia’s death as “a painful and devastating loss,” not just to the family, but to the entire APC structure in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that the late Mama’s death is painful and devastating to the Yilwatdas, because she died at the time her motherly advice and prayers were most needed, particularly to the National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda,” the statement read.
Mr Bamaiyi further highlighted Mama Lydia’s life of service, faith, and humility. She was a respected leader in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and was widely recognised for her tireless contributions to the growth of the church in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Plateau States, alongside her late husband, Reverend Toma Yilwatda.
“The deceased was a devoted Christian, virtuous, humane, and humble woman leader… the consoling record is that the deceased left behind an indelible and accomplished legacy, which is manifested in her children,” Bamaiyi added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also extended his condolences to Professor Yilwatda.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Mama Lydia as “a woman of virtue who lived a life dedicated to faith, service, and the uplifting of her community.”
“The President enjoins the APC Chairman to accept her death as the will of Almighty God and be consoled by the life of purpose his mother lived,” the statement noted.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Mama Lydia’s soul and for divine strength for Professor Yilwatda, his family, and all those left behind to bear the loss.
Mama Lydia’s passing comes just weeks after her son assumed the role of National Chairman of the APC in July 2025, following the resignation of his predecessor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Her death has, therefore, struck a deeply personal chord during a significant period of political transition for the party.
As arrangements for her final rites commence, the APC and the wider Nigerian political landscape continue to pay tribute to a woman remembered for her strength, compassion, and lifelong commitment to her faith and family.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
