In a major shake-up at the top ranks of Nigeria's ruling party, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and former gubernatorial candidate, has been unanimously elected as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yilwatda’s emergence was ratified during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, July 24, following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down citing personal and private concerns.

 Who is Professor Nentawe Yilwatda?

Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda is not just a seasoned politician, but also an accomplished academic and technocrat.

He holds a professorship in Electrical Engineering and made a strong impression as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Plateau State elections, earning widespread attention for his forward-thinking manifesto and youth-inclusive approach to governance.

Career Track Record

  • Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Benue State
    (July 2017 – December 2021)
    Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yilwatda served with distinction during a volatile election cycle and was praised for his professionalism and integrity.

  • ICT Director, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
    For over 12 years, he led the digital transformation of the institution, building a robust technology infrastructure and championing innovation in learning and administration.

  • Minister of Humanitarian Affairs
    In his current role, Yilwatda has focused on reforming humanitarian relief systems and coordinating disaster response frameworks across Nigeria.

Personal Life

Professor Yilwatda is a Christian and is married to Dr. Martina Goshwe, a medical practitioner. The couple is known for their philanthropic contributions, especially in northern Nigeria, with focus on education, youth empowerment, and ICT training for underserved communities.

What This Means for the APC

Yilwatda’s appointment marks a generational shift within the APC leadership. As a technocrat with deep grassroots political experience and a strong track record in public service, his leadership is expected to bring digital transformation, internal restructuring, and a strategic youth focus to the party.

His blend of academic rigor and political resilience could be key to repositioning the APC ahead of future elections.

Stay tuned for updates on Yilwatda’s agenda for the party, his first official statements as National Chairman, and reactions from political stakeholders across the country.