The newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has shared how he emerged as the party’s leader, despite being known as calm and easygoing.
Yilwatda, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and politician from Plateau State, was chosen by APC governors and party leaders after what he described as wide consultations and unity among stakeholders.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Yilwatda said the process was peaceful and without controversy.
“You can see how exemplary APC displayed. Very smooth, very mature, no controversy,” he said. “Almost everything was done based on consultations. That is what politics is all about.”
He said the endorsement came from the governors, despite not having one from his state.
“I was endorsed. The party structure starts from the ward level, which is owned by the governors and state chairmen. At the national level, our role is coordination,” he explained.
On how he intends to lead the ruling party, Yilwatda said he would take tough decisions when needed, following the example of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Look at the President—soft, calm, and gentle—but he is taking bold steps where others fear to even speak. I will do the same,” he said.
Yilwatda stressed that his leadership will be built on teamwork, consultation, and unity. He now oversees over 20 APC-controlled states and a majority in the National Assembly.
His emergence is seen as a strategic move by the party to maintain internal peace and prepare ahead of future elections.
