Yilwatda replaces Ganduje, elected as APC national chairman

Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has been unanimously elected as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was reached on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Yilwatda takes over from Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned from the position citing pressing private matters.

Yilwatda wa born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda is an accomplished academic, technocrat, and public servant.

He is the son of the late Reverend Toma Yilwatda and has built a career grounded in service, innovation, and excellence.

He began his education at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, and went on to earn degrees in engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi; and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned his PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

Yilwatda served for over 26 years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he became the pioneer Director of ICT. In that role, he spearheaded major digital reforms and earned accolades including Best Staff and Best Director of the Year.

He also worked as a consultant on digital transformation projects for the European Union, UNICEF, World Bank, and other international organizations, providing expertise on governance and technology.

In 2017, Yilwatda was appointed as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He contributed to reforms in the electoral process, especially around inclusivity for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities.

He voluntarily resigned in 2021 to pursue a political career and contested as APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. During the 2023 general elections, he also served as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in the state.

In his current role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, he has focused on addressing vulnerabilities and driving impactful development policies. He is also a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and chairs the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.

With his election as APC Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the role a wealth of experience in public service, digital innovation, and inclusive governance. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of reform and strategic direction for the ruling party.