New APC Chairman Pledges to Unite Party and Attract Opposition Members
New APC Chairman Pledges to Unite Party and Attract Opposition Members
The newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yiwaltda, has pledged to unify the party and actively work to attract members from opposition parties.
Yiwaltda, who previously served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was appointed earlier on Thursday following his nomination by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma. His nomination was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today aired Thursday evening on Channels Television, Yiwaltda expressed his commitment to growing the party’s influence despite its already significant presence with 23 governors and 70 National Assembly members.
“My responsibility is to unify and grow the party. We already have 23 governors—and counting. Our goal is to bring in even more. We’ll do the groundwork to bring them on board,” he stated.
The chairman also noted that he had the backing and experience of founding members of the party, former national chairmen, and former governors, who will ensure his success as leader of the party.
“Fortunately for me, I have a lot of experienced national party chairmen who are all here. Is it the former Governor of Edo State? My immediate predecessor, the former chairman, that’s His Excellency, Abdullahi (Ganduje). They’re all in. I have experienced former governors, former vice presidents, in short, the starting 11 of the party are still intact,” Yilwatda stated.
Asked whether he would be able to make thoughtful decisions for the party, the former minister said, “Of course, I will, because that is what the President asked me to do, and the members are asking me to do also.
“Look at the body language of Mr President; soft-talking, calm, gentle, but look at where he is driving the country, taking tough decisions, where people fear to even discuss,” he added.
The new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed the newly formed coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, insisting he has “zero fears” about its chances.
Yilwatda noted that the APC has continued to attract opposition members and has secured victories in recent bye-elections at both the local government and Senate levels. He expressed strong confidence in the party’s prospects for 2027.
“At the moment, there is no real opposition. I have zero fears. Of course, I won’t reveal our strategies publicly, but I can assure you—we’ll win,” he said.
“Let me ask—why is it that the APC has won all the by-elections in the past two years, many by landslide margins? From Senate to House of Reps and local government elections, the APC is performing exceptionally well.”
Yilwatda acknowledged the role of opposition criticism, saying it helps the party refine its strategies and improve performance. “It’s normal to have opposition, and we welcome them. In fact, I watched a clip of their criticism and I’m taking notes. Some of their points are useful and will help us enhance the party’s performance,” he added.
Addressing speculation about the possible return of former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, Yilwatda said the APC remains open to reconciliation and returnees.
“Our doors are open. When the time is right, it will happen. People will begin to appreciate the party’s manifesto, the government’s performance, and the bold decisions taken by the president. In time, many will return on their own,” he said.
