I’ll Make Tough Calls and Attract More PDP Governors — New APC Chairman
The newly appointed Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has pledged to take bold, strategic decisions in leading the ruling party, emphasizing unity, expansion, and reform.
Speaking , just hours after his emergence as APC chairman in Abuja, Yilwatda said:
“The confidence they’ve placed in me is rooted in my ability to take tough decisions — but with gentleness, teamwork, and for the collective interest of the party.”
Drawing a comparison between his calm demeanor and that of President Bola Tinubu, Yilwatda stressed the importance of firm leadership backed by wide consultation within party structures.
“Of course, I will take tough decisions — that’s what the President expects of me, and the party members too,” he affirmed.
“Just look at the President: soft-spoken, calm, composed — yet he’s making bold decisions where others hesitate. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring.”
Yilwatda also vowed to grow the party’s base by wooing more governors from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“My job is to unite and expand the APC. We currently have 23 governors — and counting. I’ll do the legwork to bring in more,” he stated confidently.
Already in 2025, two PDP governors — Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta — have defected to the APC. The party now controls 23 states, while the PDP governs 10. The Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) each control one state.
Yilwatda said he plans to draw on the experience of former APC leaders still active in the party, including Abdullahi Ganduje, Adams Oshiomhole, Abdullahi Adamu, and Mai Mala Buni.
“My immediate priority is unity. I will work with these seasoned leaders to coordinate the party and ensure full implementation of our manifesto.”
A former APC governorship candidate in Plateau State, Yilwatda lost the 2023 election to Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP. However, he believes his diverse background has equipped him to lead the party at the national level.
He highlighted his experience as a registered engineer, former university lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, former Resident Electoral Commissioner with INEC, and most recently, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as building blocks for his current role.
“I come with experience from the private sector, academia, administration, electoral processes — and now politics. These are the tools I’ll use to steer the APC forward.”
Yilwatda was appointed minister by President Tinubu in October 2024 and served in that capacity until his appointment as APC National Chairman on Thursday.