8 Things to know about Nentawe Yilwatda, APC’s new National Chairman

Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a Nigerian academic, engineer, and politician from Plateau State.

He currently serves as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

In a major political shift in July 2025, he was appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), succeeding Abdullahi Ganduje.

1. Born and Raised in Plateau State

Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He attended Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, from 1981 to 1986.

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2. A Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

He earned his degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and later became a professor with expertise in ICT infrastructure and systems.

3. Led ICT Development at Makurdi University

For 12 years, he headed the ICT Directorate at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he designed a 10-year ICT strategic plan and served on the university senate from 2006 to 2017.

4. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State

Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, he served as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State.

He introduced inclusive voting initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons and people with disabilities.

5. Joined Politics and Contested for Governor

Yilwatda resigned from INEC in 2021 to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. He secured the APC ticket but lost the 2023 election to the PDP.

He contested the result up to the Supreme Court before accepting the outcome.

6. Plateau Coordinator for Tinubu’s 2023 Campaign

He was instrumental in grassroots mobilisation for the APC in Plateau State during the 2023 presidential elections as the state coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima campaign.

7. Ministerial Appointment in 2024

In October 2024, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. He focused on poverty alleviation and humanitarian relief nationwide.

8. Became APC National Chairman in 2025

On July 24, 2025, Yilwatda was unanimously appointed APC National Chairman, following Ganduje’s resignation.

His appointment marked a strategic shift, bringing in a technocrat to lead the ruling party.