Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has been unanimously elected as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His elevation was confirmed at a National Executive Committee meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.
The consensus was initiated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and backed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. President Bola Tinubu presided over the session and promptly administered the oath of office to the new chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Yilwatda said: “I pledge, without hesitation, that I will work with everybody in the party. I will build, unite and expand the APC”. He also vowed to deepen internal democracy, promising to adhere closely to the party’s constitution and manifesto.
Yilwatda succeeds Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who stepped down on 27 June 2025, citing health reasons. Former Acting Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori had held the position in the interim.
His appointment was also warmly received by the North‑Central APC Forum, which described it as the conclusion of a two‑year campaign to return the chairmanship to their region, in line with zoning agreements. The Lagos State chapter of the APC further congratulated him, praising his credentials as a technocrat and his commitment to progressive values.
At the meeting, President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s contributions, especially in establishing the Progressive Institute, and indicated his intention to retain him as a consultant. The NEC also resolved to extend the terms of the Ward, Local Government, and State Executive Committees until 31 December 2025, a move seen as strategic ahead of the 2027 general elections
