2027 is a done deal for APC, says new national chairman Yilwatda

Nentawe Yilwatda, newly elected national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the 2027 general election is already a “done deal” for the ruling party.

Yilwatda, a professor of engineering and former APC governorship candidate in Plateau, made the statement on Friday as he resumed office at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The new chairman was elected at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following the resignation of his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Yilwatda’s first official assignment was overseeing the swearing-in of the party’s new deputy national secretary, Professor Abdulkarim Kana. He also held a closed-door meeting with members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Welcoming party stakeholders, Yilwatda declared that the APC would deepen its strength and reach before 2027.

“Our doors are open. We look forward to having more governors, senators, National Assembly members, local government chairmen… We will expand beyond bounds,” he said.

“By God’s grace, the 2027 election is a done deal for APC.”

He also thanked the media for “projecting the right image” of the party and appreciated party members for the trust reposed in him.

“This is a heavy burden of trust,” Yilwatda said.

“But I’m confident because I have veterans, supporters, and friends in the NWC. Together, we will grow the party, deepen technology, ensure transparency, and give Nigerians a party they can trust.”

He likened the party to a vehicle, describing NWC members as the “mechanics” tasked with fixing and steering it toward victory.

“We will fix it, drive it, work it, and get to our destination of choice,” he said.

“This party will be the pride and joy of the nation.”

Yilwatda replaces Ganduje, who resigned following internal party pressure and realignments in the political landscape. His emergence is part of wider changes in the APC leadership structure.

Following Yilwatda’s elevation, Professor Abdulkarim Kana (Nasarawa, North Central), who was the national legal adviser, was named deputy national secretary.

Murtala Kankia (Katsina, Northwest) has now emerged as the new national legal adviser.

These changes follow Festus Fuanter’s resignation as the former deputy national secretary and a Plateau indigene, which took effect on Wednesday.