Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commended the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as “putting a round peg in a round hole.”
In a congratulatory statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expressed confidence in Prof. Yilwatda’s capacity to lead the ruling party, citing his blend of academic brilliance, technocratic experience, and political acumen.
“I have confidence that Prof. Yilwatda has the wherewithal to transform the APC, strengthen unity among party members, and consolidate its hold on power at the centre, as well as win more states in the 2027 general elections,” the governor stated.
Bago also described the emergence of Yilwatda, who is the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as a strategic move that would benefit the APC both structurally and electorally. He further pledged the unwavering support of the Niger State government in ensuring Yilwatda’s success in his new role.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda’s appointment was ratified by a voice vote during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the APC, and he was officially sworn in during a session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting was attended by several party stakeholders, including Governor Bago.
Yilwatda now assumes the helm of the APC with high expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda
Yilwatda is an engineer and academic who emerged as the APC flagbearer in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Plateau State but lost to Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He challenged the victory of the PDP but after the Supreme Court upheld Mutfwang’s win, he accepted the verdict.
Between July 2017 and December 2021, he served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State.
Prior to that, he held the position of Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he worked for 12 years.
During the 2023 general elections, Yilwatda was appointed as the coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State.
He maintains a close political alliance with former Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.
Following Lalong’s election as senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, the state’s ministerial slot became vacant.
In response, several party chieftains and political groups rallied behind Yilwatda, urging his nomination as Lalong’s replacement.
Tinubu subsequently nominated him for a ministerial role.
After undergoing screening by the National Assembly, he was sworn in as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs on 24th October 2024.
