Who is Nentawe Yilwatda, APC’s new national chairman?
Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, has been named as the new national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His appointment came after a late-night consensus deal between President Bola Tinubu and APC governors, succeeding Abdullahi Ganduje at a critical moment for the ruling party.
A technocrat with deep political roots, Yilwatda brings to the position a blend of engineering expertise, electoral management experience, and grassroots mobilisation strength.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke local government area of Plateau State, Yilwatda began his academic journey at Boy’s Secondary School, Gindiri (1981–1986), before studying engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
He later became director of ICT at the university, where he developed a 10-year digital infrastructure plan and served on the university’s Senate from 2006 to 2017.
Between 2017 and 2021, he served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s resident electoral commissioner in Benue State. While in office, he introduced reforms to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and persons living with disabilities during elections. He also played a role in piloting electronic voting systems.
A Politician with an Engineer’s Mind
In 2023, Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau. Though he lost to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he challenged the outcome up to the Supreme Court before accepting the judgement.
He also coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in Plateau and has remained closely aligned with Simon Lalong, former governor of the state.
His loyalty to the party and calm demeanour earned him widespread respect among party stakeholders.
Following Lalong’s exit from the federal cabinet to assume a Senate seat, Yilwatda was nominated to replace him and was appointed minister of humanitarian affairs by President Tinubu in October 2024.
Now, less than a year later, he takes over the reins of the ruling party.
Calm Operator in a Stormy Season
APC insiders see Yilwatda as a strategic thinker — a leader more likely to work behind the scenes than seek the spotlight.
With Osun and Anambra off-cycle elections approaching, party leaders believe he can stabilise internal factions and reconnect the APC with its support base across the country.
In the coming months, Yilwatda is expected to strengthen the party’s grassroots machinery, manage high-stakes reconciliation efforts, and oversee the buildup to future national elections.
A Christian by faith, Yilwatda is married to Dr Martina Yilwatda Goshwe. They have a son, Beji.
He currently resides in Rayfield, Jos South, Plateau State.
