Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been appointed as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano State governor, who stepped down on health grounds.
Dr. Yilwatda, a seasoned technocrat and politician, was formerly the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections. He also served as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda is the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda. He studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and graduated in 1992.
He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also undertook international training in e-governance at the United Nations University, Macau, China.
Dr. Yilwatda remains a prominent figure in APC politics in Plateau State and is known for his close political alliance with former Governor Simon Lalong. He was earlier speculated to be among those considered for a ministerial role before being appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Although he lost the 2023 governorship election to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Yilwatda pursued legal redress up to the Supreme Court, where he eventually accepted the verdict in favour of the PDP.
His emergence as the APC national chairman is expected to usher in new strategies as the party begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
