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  • Yilwatda’s leadership of APC strategic, inclusive-Speaker Abbas, Rep Kuye

    Yilwatda’s leadership of APC strategic, inclusive-Speaker Abbas, Rep Kuye

    Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has said the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is strategic and will unite the party. 

    Also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Aliyu Kuye admonished the new APC Chairman to ensure inclusiveness and  accommodation which will lead to further expansion of the party.

    Yilwatda who succeeds Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned as the National Chairman of the APC on June 27, 2025 to take care of his health, was the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

    The Speaker, who stated Yilwatda was adopted as the APC National Chairman “under the guidance of President Tinubu,” said a notable politician from the North-Central geopolitical zone leading the APC has further reinforced the unity and cohesion in the ruling party. 

    Speaker Abbas stressed the need for the APC to respond strategically to the emerging political dynamics in the country.

    While applauding the APC for successfully navigating the leadership change, the Speaker lauded President Tinubu for solidifying the ruling party’s dominance in the polity.

    The Speaker urged Yilwatda to unite the organs, structures and caucuses of the APC towards victory at the coming polls and the sustenance of the party as the formidable, viable platform for progressive governance of the country.

    Abbas prayed to God to guide Prof. Yilwatda in the right direction while wishing him a successful chairmanship of the APC.

    Also, In a statement Kuye said the election of Yilwatda from Plateau State as the national chairman of the largest party in Africa is about inclusiveness and sensitivity to the yearning of the people. 

    He said: “I congratulate the new national chairman and rejoice with the leadership for the strategic choice aimed at bringing a massive new beginning of transformation for the Party. Secondly,  I commend Mr President for giving the party democratic leadership and maximum support to enable its growth. 

    “Mr President has, through his reengineering and economic reforms, set the foundation and pathway for our country’s economic rebirth. These reforms have received global recognition and admiration of even our greatest oppositions.

    “The efforts of Mr. President has attracted many opposition governors, senators, MHR, and other big wigs to the progressive family of APC. 

    Read Also: Yilwatda’s emergence will deepen internal democracy, says APC UK

    “I therefore enjoin our new chairman to build on this platform and make the Party the envy of all democrats in the world”.

    He said further  the election  Yilwatda is inclusiveness because many people from the North Central Geo-political Zone have been yearning and clamoring for the position of the National Chairman of APC on the ground that the zoning arrangement is in their favour.

    “Secondly, it also sensitive to the yearning of the people because, now a Christian is a national chairman of the ruling party along side the Senate President and Secretary to the  Federal Government,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Two PDP lawmakers join APC in Edo

    JUST IN: Two PDP lawmakers join APC in Edo

    Two lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State House of Assembly, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Both lawmakers, Hon. Eugene Ojie Inegbeboh, representing Igueben constituency and Hon. Andrew Uzamere who represents Ovia North East II constituency, defected at the party’s secretariat in Benin City,

    The defection of the two lawmakers have reduced the number of elected PDP members in the Edo Assembly to four.

    Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, who received the defectors, said it was part of a growing political consciousness across Edo State.

    Tenebe stated that the defections aligned with the party’s accountability, vision, and inclusive development.

    He emphasised that the Edo APC remained one family, saying there was no old or new member.

    According to him, “Your coming is a reinforcement of what we stand for. We are welcoming two proven leaders whose experience will further enrich our party’s vision and grassroots reach.

    “Let us All take today as a reminder that the strength of the APC lies not just in our numbers, but in our unity, our discipline and our shared belief in a better Edo.

    “As a party, we urged all Edo citizens to continue to give our governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the full support and enabling environment he needs to implement his people-entered programs,” Tenebe stated.

    The lawmakers said their joining the party would be a boost in the forthcoming by-election.

  • I’m on a mission to reposition party, says APC’s new chair

    I’m on a mission to reposition party, says APC’s new chair

    Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda yesterday took the baton as the 7th National Chairman of the 11-year-old All Progressives Congress (APC) – the ruling party since defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

    Yilwatda, an engineering professors, replaced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, immediate past governor of Kano State.

    Before his election during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party at the Conference Centre of the Aso Villa, Yilwatda, 56, was Minister of Humanitarian Affaris, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation.

    Yilwatda  said: “I pledge without hesitation that I will work with everybody in the party, unite the party, build the party, expand the party with you as the focus and the building block and the support I will require to drive the party as needed by all of us.

    “I accept this mandate with gratitude and a complete sense of responsibility, determined to work with all of you to fulfil the dreams of Nigerians who have reposed their hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Yilwatda, who was the APC standard bearer in the 2023 governorship poll in Plateau State  said the task ahead requires collective effort.

    “We are all mechanics of this vehicle—the APC—and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination,” he declared.

    He thanked the party’s leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, members of the National Assembly and National Executive Committee (NEC) members for what he called “a great responsibility at a pivotal time.”

    His choice to lead the APC followed a consensus nomination moved by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF)/Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

    The governor praised the outgoing leadership, particularly former Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and emphasized the need for continuity and discipline.

    He said: “As we turn this page, it is imperative that we quickly move to nominate a capable and unifying replacement – someone who can build on the foundation laid and help reposition the party to its rightful place of pride in Nigeria’s democratic history,” Uzodimma said as he formally nominated Yilwatda.

    The motion was seconded by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

    In a series of leadership adjustments, Uzodimma also proposed that the National Legal Adviser’s role be reassigned from Northcentral to the Northwest.

    Murtala Kankia, from Katsina State, was nominated for the role, why Legal Adviser Prof Karim Kana was nominated to assume the position of Deputy National Secretary.

    The motion also included the extension of tenure for all ward and local government executives of the APC until December 31. They proposals were endorsed unanimously by NEC members.

    Uzodimma commended the party’s digital reforms, particularly the ongoing membership e-registration, which he described as “a vital step towards deepening internal democracy and improving data-driven planning.”

    Read Also: North-Central forum hails Tinubu’s leadership over Yilwatda’s emergence as APC chairman

    He also lauded President Tinubu’s governance style, saying the country was experiencing “irreversible progress” under his leadership.

    “Under your administration, we have recalibrated the oil subsystems, unified the forex system, and implemented bold fiscal reforms that have restored investor confidence in Nigeria,” he said.

    The governor condemned what he called “irresponsible conduct” by certain political actors operating under the guise of opposition.

    “As progressives, we must remain focused, united, and responsible to the young men and women of Nigeria who have placed their hope in us,” Uzodimma said.

    Deputy Chairman North Bukar Dalori, who acted as chairman since Ganduje’s resignation until yesterday, said the NEC meeting was convened for the purpose of replacing Dr. Ganduje.

    He commended President Tinubu and the Progressive Governors for their strategic intervention during the transition period.

    The NEC is the second highest decision making organ after the convention. In between conventions, the NEC takes import decision, such as the replacement of National Chairman after resignation.

    Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo paid a heartfelt tribute to the late President President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who proved that integrity and public service can co-exist.

    Osinbajo said: “In his many years in public service, he (Buhari) proved that you can serve with honesty. He pursued his rights in court, lost three times and only won on the fourth attempt. That is a mark of someone who believed in the rule of law and democracy.”

    Describing Buhari as a “converted democrat,” Osinbajo said his legacy would remain a lasting example of principled leadership in Nigeria’s political history.

    Also at the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy House of Representatives Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    Kwara State Governor, who doubles as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led other PGF governors to the meeting.

  • 2027 elections a done deal, says APC chair

    2027 elections a done deal, says APC chair

    “We will expand beyond bounds. I’m sure by God’s grace, I’m sure the 2027 is a done deal for APC,” with these words Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda announced his entry into the national chairman’s office.

    It was during his first meeting with National Working Committee (NWC) members at the Muhammadu Buhari House National Secretariat after taken his oath of office at Aso Villa.

    Yilwatda commenced his tenure as the 7th national chairman of the ruling party.

    Accompanied by other members of the NWC, he arrived at the party Secretariat at about 4.10. pm to the waiting hands of party staff and supporters.

    Speaking to NWC members  and forum of State Chairmen, he said: “All of us here, especially the National Working Committee members, we are the mechanics, the party is a vehicle, we will fix it. We will drive it, we will work it out and ensure that we get the destination of our choice.

    “Its our collective effort and I’m sure by the time we put our hands on the deck collectively, this party will be great, this party will be the joy and the pride and the bright of the entire nation and that’s what I look forward to this party becoming under our collective leadership.”

    He explained that the 2027 elections will be won overwhelmingly given the rising profice of the APC.

    “I appreciate Nigerians supporting APC, standing by APC. Our doors are open to welcome new members. Our doors are open, and we look forward to having more governors, more senators, more National Assembly members, more local government chairmen, and more members into our party.”

    The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Allievation then promised to ensure the ruling party turn to a joy and pride of the nation, assuring all party members that his leadership will attract more Governors, Senators and other opposition leaders into the ruling party.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: Why NIWA boss should clinch APC guber ticket — Group

    In line with the realignment of positions to the pre-August 2023 power sharing arrangement, Deputy National Secretary Festus Faunter resigned his position.

    He left because of the party’s constitutional provision which precludes a state from having two members in the NWC.

    Since the new chairman is from Plateau State, Faunter had to go.

    There was a reshuffle of NWC officials.

    Former National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana,  who is from North Central, was elected to replace the Deputy National Secretary, while Muritala Aliyu Kankai from Katsina State was elected as the new National Legal Adviser.

    The two officers took their oath of office during the NWC meeting.

  • Nentawe Yilwatda: 13 things to know about new APC national chairman

    Nentawe Yilwatda: 13 things to know about new APC national chairman

    The minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has been elected as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He was elected unanimously by the National Executive Committee of the party on Thursday.

    Yilwatda replaces Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on June 27, 2025, for private reasons.

    Here are some things to know about the new APC National Chairman:

    1. He was born on August 8, 1968, and hails from Dungung, Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.

    2. He was born to the family of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.

    3. He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri

    4. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

    5. He also got a Master’s degree at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

    6. And a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Digital Systems Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    7. He was a Lecturer and community development expert at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

    8. He also spent over 29 years as a consultant for international development partners, the public, and the private sectors.

    9. He was also an ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (12 years).

    10. He spent time as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue State (July 2017–December 2021).

    Read Also: BREAKING: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman

    11. He contested for the gubernatorial election in the 2023 elections as the APC Governorship Candidate in Plateau State.

    12. He was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (October 23, 2024).

    13. He is the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress. (July 24, 2025).

  • UPDATED: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman, vows to deepen internal democracy

    UPDATED: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman, vows to deepen internal democracy

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the party’s new national chairman, in a consensus decision sealed during a high-level session at the State House, Abuja.

    The consensus motion for Yilwatda’s emergence was moved by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who is also chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), and seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

    Yilwatda, who until now served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, was immediately sworn in during the meeting.

    He took the oath of office, pledging to “discharge his duties to the best of his ability in accordance with the constitution of the party and the interest, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the party as contained in its manifesto.”

    Governor Uzodinma also announced that the remaining newly elected party officials would be sworn in later by the new chairman at the APC National Secretariat.

    In his acceptance remarks, Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, party leaders, and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.

    He promised to uphold internal democracy and foster unity within the ruling party.

    “We will work together with the NEC to build and expand our party. I will ensure healthy internal democracy prevails during my tenure. I will trust and look up to the leadership of the party and all of us to fulfill the dreams that Nigerians have in the APC”, Yilwatda said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Yilwatda emerges APC national chairman

    His emergence follows the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former national chairman, who stepped down last month citing health-related reasons.

    Yilwatda, a technocrat and respected party loyalist, was also the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections in Plateau State.

    His elevation to the chairmanship is expected to usher in a new era of reform and consolidation within the party as it gears up for future electoral contests.

    Thursday’s NEC meeting was presided over by President Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, several APC governors, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and other senior party stakeholders.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu participates in APC NEC meeting

    BREAKING: Tinubu participates in APC NEC meeting

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently participating in the 14th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

    The meeting, which commenced at about 2:10 pm, was attended by members of the party’s NEC, including governors, former governors, leadership of the National Assembly and some other ranking and foundation members of the party.

    Besides President Tinubu, other participants at the ongoing meeting include Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu.

    Read Also: Tinubu hosts Ekiti leaders, meets Segun Oni amid talks on political return

    Also participating are the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and other governors

    Also in attendance are former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori.

    The meeting, according to its agenda, made available to attendees, will swear in a new national chairman.

    Details shortly…

  • Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Following the defection of Senator Francis Fadahunsi to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a socio-political group has faulted the Osun State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for mismanaging the party and losing one of its key political figures.

    Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, officially left the PDP last Saturday, citing unresolved internal wrangling as his reason for defecting to the APC.

    Reacting to the development, the Ijesa Unite for Good Governance (IUGG), through its National Coordinator, Alhaji Kazeem Ibikunle, described Fadahunsi’s exit as a significant loss to the PDP. The group recalled the senator’s pivotal role in revitalising the party during the Rauf Aregbesola administration, saying his sacrifices and leadership helped reposition the PDP in the state.

    “Fadahunsi brought unmatched energy and commitment to the PDP when it was in opposition. He invested his time and personal resources, which made the party more attractive and played a major role in the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke over an incumbent,” the group stated.

    Read Also: Wadada, Fadahunsi, Umeh, seven other senators set to change parties

    The statement further highlighted Fadahunsi’s wide-reaching empowerment programmes, which included donating a 46-seater bus to the party, providing trailer loads of rice and rams to party members, funding the party’s secretariat operations, and offering financial support to staff.

    Describing him as a “master strategist and visionary leader,” IUGG noted that Fadahunsi’s influence extends beyond party lines, with other political parties in the state already expressing interest in him.

    The group mentioned that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is among those eager to welcome the senator, with its State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, describing him as “a wave of hope” who has positively impacted countless lives in his constituency.

    IUGG called on the PDP to reflect on the circumstances that led to the senator’s defection and urged the party to address internal issues to prevent further high-profile losses.

  • Akwa Ibom, Osun senators dump PDP for APC

    Akwa Ibom, Osun senators dump PDP for APC

    Membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in both chambers of the National Assembly increased by seven yesterday following the defections of four PDP senators and Three House of Representatives members into the party.

    While the number of the APC in the Senate rose to 70, members of the party in the House of Representatives stood at 223, even though the official membership strength is unknown.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters of resignation and defection of the four senators from PDP into the APC, while Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen read the letters of the three defecting members at plenary.

    The four PDP Senators that  crossed the aisle from the main opposition party into the ruling party, are Etim Bassey Aniekan (Akwa Ibom North East), Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central).

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu set to meet APC Govs ahead crucial NEC session

    Members of the House who defected from the PDP to the APC are Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency), Emmanueln Olusanya Omirin (Atakunmosa/Ilesa federal Constituency and Markus Onobun (EsanCentral/Esan West/Igueben Federal constituency of Edo state).

    While giving reasons for his defection, Senator Aniekan cited a fractured PDP and pledged loyalty to the APC’s “Renewed Hope” and Governor Umo Eno’s “Arise” agenda.

    Senator Sampson  praised the political realignment of Akwa Ibom’s leadership with the APC, stating “in Akwa Ibom State, the earth has moved.”

    Senator Fadahunsi expressed disillusionment with PDP’s internal litigations and leadership vacuum.

    Two additional senators, whose letters were read by the Senate President, joined the APC on similar grounds of “strategic interest” and alignment with President Tinubu’s policies.

    Akpabio said: “On behalf of the All Progressives Congress, I want to sincerely welcome our colleagues. Thank you to the All Progressives Congress and to note that, yes, indeed, this cannot be the end.”

    Receiving the defectors, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele declared, “This is not the end. The wind is blowing strong and in our favour.”

    The National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru and some members of the House of Representatives, including Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal constituency and Senator Chris Ngige were admitted into the chamber to witness the defection and receive the new members.

    The defection of the three members further deplicted the rank of the main opposition in the House.

    Onobun who was the only elected PDP Lawmaker from Edo state in the 10th National Assembly said he was resigning from the PDP to pitch tent with the APC because of the crisis in the party.

    Onobun said he decided to quit the PDP after series of consultations with stakeholders within and outside his constituency, adding that he was joining the APC to assist the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the development of Edo state.

    Both Ajilesoro and Omirin also said in their separate letters read by Speaker Tajudeen that they were leaving the PDP because of the lingering crisis which has remained unresolved.

    They also said that they have resolved to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his renewed hope agenda and quest to ensure the development of the country.

    While objecting to the defection, Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda asked the Speaker to use the discretion given to him by the Constitution to declare seats of the lawmakers vacant.

    Chinda said while his request might sound like a broken record, it is better to place it on record that they objected to the defections as provided for, while allowing the House to take it’s decision.

    While thanking him for his remarks, Speaker Tajudeen said “your observation is noted”.

    National Secretary to the APC, Senator Bashiru Ajibola was also on hand to welcome the defectors into the party.

  • Ibadan North by-election: Aspirants reject APC candidate

    Ibadan North by-election: Aspirants reject APC candidate

    All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants in the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, under the aegis of ‘United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum’, have rejected Mr Adewale ‘Murphy’ Olatunji as the party’s candidate.

    The aspirants lamented that despite no delegate congress and primary election, Olatunji was announced as the candidate of APC in the election.

    They said he did not emerge through free, fair and credible primaries.

    A statement by members of the forum, which comprised Olaleye Segun, Lapade Idris, Farouk Arisekola, Adekunle Oladeji, Saheed Aderounmu, Mrs Balikis Junaid, Oluyinka Omikunle and Kalil Mustapha, objected to the purported conduct of primary election on Sunday at a designated venue, which did not hold.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Four PDP senators defect to APC

    The aspirants said any purported primary election held without adherence to APC rules and procedures was illegitimate.

    The forum sought intervention of the national leadership and stakeholders of the party, to allow democratic process take place in the interest of the party in next month’s by-election.

    The forum claimed that APC leadership in Ibadan North Local Government also rejected the illegitimate process of the purported by-election.

    “Why will Mr Olatunji be parading himself as the candidate of APC when eight of the 10 aspirants signed that no primary election was held due to anomalies that characterised the process?

    “This anti-democratic posture and one man showmanship of Mr Olatunji should be noted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, APC.”

    The aspirants, however, said they remained committed to the ideals of the party and the democratic process, calling for urgent intervention in the matter to correct the anomalies.