The All Progressives Congress (APC) begins screening aspirants for its National Working Committee, starting with incumbent Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the screening of aspirants for positions in its National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for next week.
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The exercise began with the screening of the party’s incumbent National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who enjoys the endorsements of senior party leaders to retain his position.
The 42-member screening panel, chaired by Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, conducted the process at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Members of the panel commended Yilwatda’s leadership and seamless stewardship of the APC since his appointment, prompting them to ask him to “take a bow.”
Professor Yilwatda was appointed APC Chairman at the party’s 14th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja in June 2025, replacing Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda is a distinguished academic and a passionate advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives.
He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, earned his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He spent over 26 years at his alma mater, serving as the pioneer Director of ICT and leading transformative digital reforms, earning accolades including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
Beyond academia, Professor Yilwatda has contributed to the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors, consulting for multinational organisations and development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, World Bank, and TECHVILE USA.
In 2017, he was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he implemented reforms including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and technology integration into Nigeria’s electoral system.
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He stepped down in 2021 to pursue elective office, contesting as APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State and serving as Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau during the 2023 General Elections.
