Professor Nentawe Yilwatda: From Classroom, INEC Position to APC Chairmanship

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Professor Yilwatda, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was unanimously endorsed by the party’s National Executive Committee during a meeting held on Thursday.

Background

Professor Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He has had a distinguished career as an academic, engineer, public servant, and humanitarian advocate.

He earned his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and a PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Academic Career

Professor Yilwatda spent over 26 years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he rose to become the pioneer Director of the ICT unit. In that role, he led sweeping digital reforms, earning accolades including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year. He has also consulted for the European Union, UNICEF, World Bank, and TECHVILE USA, focusing on digital governance and innovation.

INEC Position

He was appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2017 where he championed major electoral reforms, including voting policies for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and deepened the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Political Career

In 2021, Yilwatda resigned from INEC to pursue elective office, running as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. He also played a strategic role as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in the state during the 2023 general elections.

Currently, in addition to his ministerial duties, he is a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and serves as Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development. He would be expected to lead the ruling party into the 2027 elections where it seeks to retain power for the third time.

 

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