New APC chairman election timely, strategic, says diasporan chieftain

His emergence followed the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje, APC’s former national chairman, on health grounds on June 27.

News Agency of Nigeria • July 25, 2025

Nentawe Yilwatda and Abdullahi Ganduje

Ade Omole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and diaspora leader, has described the election of Nentawe Yilwatda as the party’s national chairman as both timely and strategic.

Mr Omole, a member of the Global Conveners of The Asiwaju Group, was the director of the defunct APC Presidential Diaspora Campaign Directorate in 2023.

He stated that the new chairman’s emergence occurred at a time when the party was strengthening its national base and consolidating power across the federation.

“We are confident that under Yilwatda’s leadership, the APC will be further repositioned for grassroots engagement, institutional reforms, and electoral dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Mr Omole said on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Yilwatda was elected unopposed during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

Mr Omole commended President Bola Tinubu, the APC, its NEC, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and all stakeholders for the peaceful and unified process that led to Mr Yilwatda’s emergence.

He noted that Mr Yilwatda’s nomination by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo and the chairman of the PGF received overwhelming support through a voice vote by the party’s NEC members.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate President Tinubu for guiding the party through this moment of transition with wisdom and unity. The emergence of Yilwatda as APC national chairman affirms the party’s commitment to capacity, competence, and continuity.

“His pedigree in governance, technology, and humanitarian service positions him well to steer the party through this critical phase,” Mr Omole said.

Before his election, Mr Yilwatda was a minister in the present administration. He was appointed in 2017 as a commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission and posted to Benue as resident electoral commissioner.

He was the APC candidate for Plateau governorship in 2023.

His emergence followed the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje, APC’s former national chairman, on health grounds on June 27.

(NAN)

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