Few things to know about new APC chairman Yilwatda

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, is the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Yilwatda was elected unanimously by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2025, replacing former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned as the party’s national chairman.

Below are a few things to know about the new APC chairman:

Professor Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri in Plateau State, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in Benue State.

He thereafter obtained a master’s degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi State, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years.

Yilwatda’s expertise and leadership propelled him to the position of the university’s pioneer Director of ICT, a role in which he led transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes. His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

Tinubu’s minister, Yilwatda, emerges APC National Chairman

Beyond academia, Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organisations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA.

In 2017, Yilwatda was appointed as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed groundbreaking reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.

In 2021, he resigned from the position to contest the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the APC. He also served as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State during the 2023 general election.

He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in October 2024.

Yilwatda emerged as the APC National Chairman on July 24, 2025.

The Star