BREAKING: Nentawe Yilwatda Emerges APC National Chairman After NEC Endorsement

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his nomination and election by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

His nomination was made by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, and was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen. The motion was subsequently adopted through a voice vote and passed unanimously by the NEC.

Yilwatda, who now takes charge of the ruling party’s national leadership, was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, located in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He is the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.

An accomplished academic and technocrat, Yilwatda obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 1992. He later earned a Master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and went on to complete a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Professionally, Yilwatda began his career as a lecturer and community development expert at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he also served as ICT Director for 12 years. Over the span of 29 years, he worked extensively as a consultant with international development partners, as well as within the public and private sectors.

In public service, he served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State from July 2017 to December 2021, under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He also played a significant political role as the State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation during the 2023 general elections.

With his deep experience in governance, electoral processes, and grassroots mobilization, Yilwatda is expected to bring both administrative expertise and strategic vision to his new role as APC National Chairman.