The emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the substantive National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, has continued to elicit mixed reactions over the political calculations that led to his selection.

Nentawe, who currently serves in the federal cabinet as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, became the party’s fifth substantive national chairman during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He replaces Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned on June 27, citing health challenges.

Nentawe, a former governorship candidate of the APC in Plateau State, formally assumed office at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja shortly after his emergence.

Sources told Daily Trust that his appointment followed intense political manoeuvring and pressure from North Central stakeholders, who insisted that the region be allowed to complete the tenure vacated by former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who resigned in 2023 before his term elapsed.

However, multiple party sources have offered differing accounts of why the minister was ultimately chosen.

The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust, said Nentawe’s emergence reflected a deliberate shift from the tradition of appointing former governors as party chairmen.

“What I understand is that they wanted a technocrat—something different from the previous tradition, where each time they pick a former governor as chairman. They wanted someone who could steer the party towards the convention. But the politicking itself is best known to the politicians,” he said.

Asked whether the decision was also aimed at pacifying the North Central and balancing religious sensitivities, especially amid persistent criticism of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Ibrahim said, “It’s possible. Those factors may have played out.”

On whether the new chairman has the capacity to deliver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027, he added, “He was the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign in Plateau in 2023, and while the state didn’t vote APC, they did their best.”

Insiders also hinted that President Tinubu and his team are strategically targeting states that did not vote for him in 2023, with some of his recent appointments in the North seen as politically calculated moves to win support ahead of 2027.

Following Ganduje’s resignation, the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, held the position in an acting capacity until Nentawe’s emergence.

Commenting on the development, political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo said Nentawe was picked because Tinubu wanted a loyal party leader ahead of the 2027 general election.

“The main reason they brought him is that they were looking for somebody who can be loyal to President Tinubu. Somebody they can use. Somebody who can’t betray Mr. President,” he said.

“Al-Makura would have been good, Senator Sani Musa from Niger State would have been good – they’re all from the North Central. But these are people that are independent-minded.”

On the religious angle, Ojo added: “It was accidental. That never was in their calculation.”

He said the political permutations that produced the minister as chairman were far-reaching, possibly part of a broader plan to reclaim Plateau State in the next presidential election.

According to him, Tinubu’s political calculations are often difficult to predict, and there could be a pact with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to deliver the state for the APC in 2027, while the governor remains in office on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Thursday’s NEC meeting was attended by key APC stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, state chairmen, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and others.

Nentawe resumes, says door open to Kwankwaso, others

Shortly after his emergence, Nentawe resumed duties at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Addressing members of the NWC, party supporters, and other stakeholders, the new chairman pledged to work with party leaders to consolidate the APC’s electoral dominance and strengthen democracy.

He declared that the party’s doors were open to new members, including governors and lawmakers, and expressed confidence that the 2027 elections were already in the bag.

“Like I said in my acceptance speech, all of us here, especially the NWC, we are the mechanics; the party is the vehicle. We will fix it, we will drive it, and we will work it and ensure that we get to the destination.

“It’s our collective effort, and I’m sure by the time we put our hands on the deck collectively, this party will be great. This party will be the joy, the pride and the light of the entire nation, and that’s what I look forward to this party becoming under our collective leadership.

“I appreciate Nigerians supporting APC, standing by APC. Our doors are open to welcome new members. We look forward to having more governors, more National Assembly members, more local government chairmen into our party. We will expand beyond bounds. By God’s grace, I’m sure the 2027 election is a done deal for APC,” he said.

In a later interview with Channels Television, Nentawe confirmed that discussions with key opposition figures, including the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were ongoing. He said defections would happen naturally when the time was right.

“I told you our doors are open,” he said when asked about Kwankwaso’s rumoured return to the APC. “When everybody’s time is due, it will manifest itself. And that’s what’s going on for everybody who has come back to APC. It’s just giving time to people.”

Nentawe said many politicians were increasingly drawn to the APC due to the party’s policies and the performance of the Tinubu administration.

“People are seeing the manifesto of the party, seeing the performance of the government, seeing also the tough decisions the president has taken,” he said.

He described the APC as the strongest political platform in the country and vowed to further unite and expand the party.

“Our job is to unite the party, expand the party, and bring more governors in. If Nigerians feel strongly that APC can meet their political needs, why not? We are not saying that we want a one-party state. Never. We want to drive this party as the most preferred party in Nigeria,” he explained.

The APC chairman dismissed the recently formed opposition coalition—comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as posing no real threat to the ruling party.

“There is no opposition for now,” he said. “Zero fear at all. We will win. I can assure you. The by-elections in the last two years were all won by the APC, most of them by a landslide. We welcome their criticism because it helps us to improve our performance.”

He also highlighted what he described as key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including increased government revenue and rising oil production.

“Wait and listen,” he said. “We are improving revenue, and the government is celebrating it. Even the opposition governors are celebrating that there’s improvement. Crude oil production has risen from less than one million barrels per day to 1.5 million, and now hitting two million barrels per day. Is that not direction?”

On the security front, Nentawe said the situation had improved significantly, citing the return of over 30,000 Nigerian refugees from Chad and Cameroon.

“Places that were taken over by Boko Haram, that people could not access, are now safe,” he said. “Security has improved. We invited the UN and IOM, and they confirmed these improvements.”

He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the APC-led government, assuring them that the “renewed hope” agenda was beginning to yield results.

“My message to Nigerians is that there’s already light at the end of the tunnel, and all of us can work together to achieve greater things for this country,” he said. “The sacrifice we’re making is for the absolute benefit of all of us as a country.”

Meanwhile, following the resignation of Festus Fuanter (also from Plateau) as deputy national secretary, the party announced new appointments. National Legal Adviser Prof. Abdulkarim Kana (Nasarawa, North Central) was moved to deputy national secretary, while Murtala Kankia (Katsina, North West) became the new national legal adviser.

Daily Trust reports that the NEC also extended the tenure of zonal, state, local government area, and ward executives to December 31.

Reacting to the development, acting spokesperson of the APC in Plateau State, Shittu Bamaiyi, said Nentawe’s emergence would boost the party’s chances in the state and increase the likelihood of reclaiming Plateau from the PDP in 2027.

He said: “For President Tinubu to have opted for Prof. Nentawe among other contending interests and political juggernauts from the North Central zone is not only instructive, but reflects the absolute trust and confidence the president has in the minister to effectively pilot the affairs of the APC in the face of daunting political challenges.

“Indeed, the choice of Nentawe is in recognition and appreciation of his capacity and competence. In the same vein, the choice of Prof Nentawe marks a watershed and an inspiring awakening of confidence in the people of Plateau State, which requires reciprocity from the people of the state.”

Bashir Musan Sati, a former APC secretary and stakeholder in the party, also hailed the appointment, saying it would strengthen the APC in Plateau and across the country.

Similarly, former governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, considered the new chairman’s political mentor, described his emergence as a source of joy and inspiration, stating that he brings fresh leadership experience and the capacity to lead the “biggest political party in Africa.”

In a statement by his media aide, Makut Simon Macham, Lalong said Nentawe is “very suitable” for the job, noting his vast experience as a technocrat, politician, and public servant.

The former governor said the new assignment was a clear endorsement of Nentawe’s influence as APC governorship candidate in 2023 and reflected the wide acceptability and visionary leadership qualities he possesses.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the emergence of Nentawe as APC national chairman poses no threat to its 2027 electoral chances.

The state organising secretary of the PDP, Yakubu ChoCho, told Daily Trust that the party remains unshakable and confident of victory.

“While I congratulate Nentawe as the new chairman of the APC, his emergence will not change the popularity of the PDP. Of course, he was nominated to pilot the affairs of the party nationally. But coming back to Plateau, where he belongs, the people of Plateau have their voice.

“The people of Plateau always elect people who align with their heritage. That is why people choose PDP—because the party is in their blood. Nentawe coming on board will never change what is happening in the state.

“The voice of Plateau speaks for PDP. You can equate Plateau with Anambra, where APGA dominates politics. So, PDP is the party to beat in Plateau.

“I am assuring you that the people of Plateau State will vote PDP from top to bottom despite the emergence of Nentawe. Plateau has already decided to continue supporting PDP,” he said.

Residents clamour for ministerial slot

Following Nentawe’s selection as national chairman, party loyalists—particularly from the Plateau North Senatorial District—have begun calling for a ministerial appointment from the zone.

Sani Mudi, a former adviser to ex-governor Simon Bako Lalong and a stakeholder in the APC, said it was time for Jos North LGA to produce a minister.

“Plateau North is the zone with the highest number of votes in the state, and we deserve the ministerial slot. For a very long time, we have not had the opportunity to produce a minister from the zone,” he said.

Tinubu charges govs to deliver change, build new party secretariat

Speaking during the NEC meeting, President Tinubu emphasised the need for increased community engagement and responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” the president said. “To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food sovereignty and urged his team to continue working towards national development.

“To those working with me to achieve food sovereignty for our country, we will continue to work hard for you, Nigerians, and to listen to everyone to achieve the national goals,” he added.

The president reiterated the APC’s inclusive posture, stating that the party remains open to new members and fresh ideas. He dismissed the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and urged progressive-minded Nigerians to join the APC and support its developmental vision.

“Our doors are still open, and we should wholeheartedly embrace those who join us,” Tinubu said.

He urged the new national chairman to form a committee of NWC members to visit states and ensure that new members are properly registered and integrated into the party.

The president also thanked Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the former National Chairman, for his contributions to the party’s development and ideological clarity.

Tinubu further charged APC governors to work collectively to build a permanent party secretariat in Abuja, urging them to leave behind a lasting legacy.

“We should leave a legacy of development. The governors are here—23 of them—to help identify a land, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We should establish a committee of progressive governors to identify suitable land and construct the secretariat,” he said.

While acknowledging ongoing economic challenges, Tinubu highlighted progress under his administration. He cited the N14.9 trillion in revenue collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in the first half of the year—a 43 per cent increase from the same period in 2024—as evidence of improvement.

The president and other NEC members also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently died in London and was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. (Daily Trust)