APC’s New Chairman Commits to Party Reconciliation and Strong Leadership
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, recently approved as the national chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during Thursday’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, has promised to unite the party and take the bold steps needed for its growth.
Speaking later that evening on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Yilwatda made it clear that his top priority is to reconcile differences within the party ranks and welcome back any aggrieved members, including governors who had previously left the party.
“My immediate priority is that the party is united,” he affirmed. “My job is to unite the party, to expand the party. We have 23 governors and counting. I will do the legwork to bring in more,” he declared, referring to recent defections such as Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno and Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori who joined APC from PDP.
Yilwatda also pledged to take “tough decisions,” guided by calm deliberation and collective teamwork for the party’s benefit. “That is what the president asked me to do—and what our members expect,” he said, comparing his measured approach to that of President Bola Tinubu
Premium Times Nigeria.
On whether the speculation around former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso returning to APC held weight, he answered diplomatically: “Our doors are open,” signaling openness to high-profile reconciliation.
Asked about his qualifications for leading the APC despite having lost the 2023 Plateau State governorship race, Yilwatda outlined his multi-sector experience. He described himself as a registered engineer, an academic, former INEC electoral commissioner, and a minister, all of which he said prepared him to “gear the wheel of the party” effectively.
Why This Matters
Unity first: Yilwatda positioned himself as a bridge-builder, aiming to heal internal rifts and encourage returnees from opposition parties.
Bold, yet gentle leadership: He spoke of making hard decisions—but rooted in calm teamwork rather than unilateralism.
Institutional pedigree: His varied experience across governance, academia, and electoral administration brings credibility to his new leadership role.
Expansion agenda: With APC holding 23 states, Yilwatda reiterated plans to actively recruit more governors and leaders from opposing parties to strengthen the ruling coalition.