By Ruth Adebayo and Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has emerged as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was elected unanimously by the National Executive Committee of the party on Thursday. Yilwatda replaces Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned for crucial private matters.
The party’s NEC also extended the tenure of all APC Ward, Local Government, and State Executive Committees to December 31, 2025.
It would be recalled that the National Working Committee (NWC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) had changed the venue of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.
It’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, announced in a terse statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
He informed that the meeting, earlier planned to hold at the party’s national secretariat on Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,was shifted to the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, citing logistics reasons for the change of the meeting venue.
The need for a new chairman followed the resignation of the party’s former national chairman and former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on June 27, reportedly on health grounds. Abubakar Dalori had served as the party’s acting national chairman.
At Thursday’s meeting, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was elected as the new national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Yilwatda was adopted as a “consensus decision” by the NEC during the meeting attended by President Bola Tinubu, members of the Progressives Governors Forum and top party officials.
Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga described Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as “a distinguished academic, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he hails from a lineage of service, being the son of the Late Rev. Toma Yilwatda.
“From an early age, Prof. Yilwatda demonstrated a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering.
“As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years. His expertise and leadership propelled him to the position of the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, a role in which he led transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes. His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
“Beyond academia, Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His ability to merge technology with governance has made him a sought-after expert in digital innovation and policy development.
“In 2017, his expertise and integrity led to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed groundbreaking reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system. In 2021, he courageously stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.
“These diverse experiences have equipped Prof. Yilwatda with an exceptional network spanning government, the private sector, and international development organizations. His ability to build strategic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing policies that drive sustainable development and social impact.
“Today, as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the table a wealth of experience, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility. His appointment is a testament to his lifelong commitment to service, his passion for leveraging technology for good governance, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
“In addition to his ministerial role, he serves as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
“Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is not just a leader, but he is a catalyst for change, a bridge between technology and governance, and a beacon of hope for millions striving for a better future,” Onanuga said in a statement.
