Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has emerged as the new National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), replacing Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Kano State governor, who stepped down from the position due to health concerns.
This elevation marks a significant milestone in the political journey of Yilwatda, a technocrat-turned-politician whose background cuts across engineering, digital governance, public service, and grassroots party politics.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, a quiet community in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nentawe Yilwatda hails from a devout Christian family. He is the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda.
Yilwatda began his academic journey at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he earned a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1992. His passion for academic excellence drove him to further his studies with a Master’s degree in Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He later obtained a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In addition to his local academic achievements, Yilwatda received international training in e-governance at the United Nations University in Macau, China—an experience that equipped him with global insights on technology-driven governance.
Nentawe Yilwatda: Technocrat With a Passion for Reform
Before joining partisan politics, Yilwatda carved out a niche for himself as an accomplished academic and public administrator. He served as a university lecturer, earning respect for his scholarly contributions, especially in the field of digital systems engineering.
He later took on roles in governance and public service, particularly in projects that involved innovation and reform. His international exposure and academic background positioned him as a go-to expert in digital transformation and transparency-focused governance.
Entry Into Politics and 2023 Gubernatorial Bid
Yilwatda’s foray into politics began under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He gained national attention when he contested as the APC governorship candidate for Plateau State during the 2023 general elections. Despite a strong showing and widespread support, he lost the election to the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, TJ News Nigeria reports that he challenged the election outcome at the tribunal and proceeded to the Supreme Court. After exhausting all legal avenues, he gracefully accepted the court’s decision, further endearing him to many as a disciplined and loyal party man.
Campaign Role and Party Loyalty
During the 2023 presidential election campaign, Yilwatda served as the coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in Plateau State. His coordination role was vital in mobilizing grassroots support for the APC’s presidential ticket in the North-Central region.
His unwavering loyalty to the party and his close alliance with former Plateau State governor Simon Lalong positioned him as a rising force within APC’s national structure.
From Ministerial Nomination to APC Chairmanship
In the months following the 2023 elections, Yilwatda was reportedly nominated for a ministerial appointment. He was expected to head the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. However, his path took a dramatic turn when the leadership of the APC zeroed in on him as a fitting replacement for Abdullahi Ganduje.
His appointment as the APC’s substantive National Chairman marks a rare transition from an intended ministerial position to the apex leadership of the ruling party.
Political Alliances and Influence
Yilwatda is widely recognized as a protégé of Simon Lalong, the immediate past governor of Plateau State and now a Senator. His relationship with Lalong has been pivotal in his rise through the party ranks. Together, they form a key political bloc within the North-Central zone of the APC, a region considered crucial for the party’s national balance.
With his appointment as National Chairman, political observers believe Yilwatda will bring intellectual depth, digital competence, and a technocratic edge to the leadership of the APC.
What His Emergence Means for APC
Yilwatda’s elevation is being interpreted as a signal of generational renewal within the APC. At 56, he represents a younger, more technocratic breed of political leadership within the party, capable of appealing to the growing population of digitally-aware Nigerian youth.
His background in e-governance and digital systems could influence internal party reforms, especially in areas such as membership registration, digital communications, and transparent primary elections.
What you should know
As Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda takes the reins of leadership as APC’s new National Chairman, expectations are high. His track record in governance, academia, and party politics suggests a leadership style rooted in innovation, discipline, and inclusive progress.
Whether he can steer the APC through the turbulence of internal factionalism and deliver a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Yilwatda brings to the role a rare blend of intellect, loyalty, and modern political acumen.
