The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as the new National Chairman of the party.
Yilwatda takes over from Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down from the role on June 27, 2025. His nomination was put forward by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas. The announcement was made during an ongoing NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa.
President Bola Tinubu had previously appointed Yilwatda as a minister in late 2023. He was nominated on October 23 and officially sworn in on November 4. At 56, Yilwatda hails from Plateau State and now steps into the party’s top leadership role following Ganduje’s exit.
According to a statement by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Ganduje’s resignation was immediate and aimed at allowing him to focus on pressing personal matters. His resignation letter was submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) via the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, with expressions of appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
After Ganduje’s departure, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, was tasked with overseeing party affairs temporarily.
Ganduje had assumed the chairmanship in August 2023 following the resignation of his predecessor, Abdullahi Adamu. Prior to that, he served as Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023. Earlier this year, he was also appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by President Tinubu.
