Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has been elected as the new national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His election was announced on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja. Yilwatda’s emergence followed a consensus agreement by members of the NEC.
He replaces Abdullahi Ganduje, who officially stepped down from the role on June 27.
The meeting was attended by President Bola Tinubu, members of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), and other senior officials of the ruling party.
Yilwatda’s appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening party unity and driving internal reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party insiders say his track record in public service and technocratic background played a key role in his selection.
With his new role, Yilwatda is expected to steer the APC through critical phases, including preparations for upcoming state and national elections, and the ongoing repositioning of the party structure nationwide.He was elected unanimously by the National Executive Committee of the party on Thursday, July 24.
Yilwatda replaces Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned for crucial private matters.
Yilwatda was born on 8 August 1968 in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. The professor of Electrical Engineering was the flagrunner for the APC in the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Plateau State.
Between July 2017 – December 2021, he held the position of resident electoral commissioner in Benue State. He was appointed by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was the ICT director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, for 12 years.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday endorsed Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the new national chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party.
A seasoned academic, technocrat, and public servant, Prof. Yilwatda brings decades of experience in technology, governance, and humanitarian affairs to his new role.
Early life and education
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda hails from a family dedicated to service his father, the late Rev. Toma Yilwatda, was a respected clergy.
He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where his strong academic foundation was laid. He later earned a degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, a master’s from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Academic and tech leadership
Yilwatda spent over 26 years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he rose through the ranks to become the institution’s pioneer Director of ICT. He led critical digital reforms and received accolades including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
His expertise extended beyond the classroom into consultancy roles with major global organisations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, the European Union, and TECHVILE USA, driving digital innovation across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Public service and electoral reforms
In 2017, he was appointed as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His tenure was marked by impactful reforms, including frameworks for voting by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and contributions to electoral policy development.
He resigned in 2021 to pursue elective office, contesting as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. During the 2023 general elections, he served as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in the state.
Ministerial and party leadership roles
In recognition of his track record, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. He also served as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and as Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
His appointment as APC national chairman signals a strategic shift in the party’s leadership, especially as it seeks to consolidate internal reforms and position itself ahead of future electoral contests.
Prof. Yilwatda is widely regarded as a bridge between technology and governance, and his emergence is seen as a major step toward building a more inclusive and development-driven APC.
Yilwatda is a Christian and married to Dr Martina Goshwe.
- Born: August 8, 1968, Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.
- Family: Son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.
- Education:
- B.Sc. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1992).
- Master’s degree, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
- PhD in Digital Systems Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- Career:
- Lecturer and community development expert at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
- Over 29 years as a consultant for international development partners, public, and private sectors.
- ICT Director, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (12 years).
- Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue State (July 2017–December 2021).
- State Coordinator, Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation (2023 elections).
- Political Roles:
- APC Governorship Candidate, Plateau State (2023 elections).
- Appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (October 23, 2024).
- APC National Chairman
(July 24, 2025 - ).
