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Power shifts in APC as ex-gubernatorial candidate replaces Ganduje
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Christian northerner selected to balance ticket ahead of 2027 polls
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NEC to ratify deal sealed during Tinubu’s late-night meeting with governors
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and former APC governorship candidate in Plateau State, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His selection follows the sudden resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who stepped down for health-related reasons. The announcement came hours after a late-night closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and APC governors in Abuja.
Party insiders said the nomination was a strategic political move to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to officially endorse Yilwatda’s appointment later today.
A senior party official described Yilwatda, 56, as a “young, scandal-free technocrat” whose academic background and clean political record will help reposition the party.
“He is smart, well-educated, and appeals to young voters. His emergence marks a generational shift,” one source said.
Yilwatda’s Christian background was also a factor, with top party stakeholders agreeing it would balance the APC’s current Muslim-Muslim presidential leadership structure. APC leaders say this move is aimed at rebuilding voter confidence, especially among Christians in northern and middle-belt states.
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The North-Central region, which includes Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states, holds the zoning right to the chairman’s seat. Yilwatda’s nomination aligns with that arrangement.
His selection adds another layer of political manoeuvring as the party prepares to defend its hold on power in 2027 amid growing defections and opposition realignments.
The appointment will be formalised following NEC’s approval later today at the Presidential Villa.
