PDP’s Odeyemi Drops Bombshell: Yilwatda’s True Colors Revealed By APC Chair Appointment

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and several Nigerians have voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The controversy stems from Yilwatda’s past role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—a position critics argue compromises his neutrality. Opposition figures allege that President Bola Tinubu orchestrated the appointment to undermine INEC’s independence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda’s emergence followed the APC National Executive Committee meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. He replaces Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down on June 27, 2025, citing health challenges.

Previously appointed as REC in July 2017, Yilwatda served in Benue State, participating in electoral processes across Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River before resigning in 2022. He contested the 2023 Plateau State governorship election under the APC and initially secured victories at the tribunal and Court of Appeal but was ultimately defeated at the Supreme Court by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Reacting to the development, Diran Odeyemi, a member of the PDP’s National Executive Committee, told Punch that the appointment only confirms suspicions about INEC’s impartiality.

“This appointment once again exposes Yilwatda’s partisan leanings. His deep ties to the APC call into question his past conduct at INEC and further raise doubts about the commission’s independence,” Odeyemi said. “We now wonder if election outcomes are already being determined, given his elevation to such a powerful party position.”

Meanwhile, Wale Egbeola-Martins, National Publicity Secretary of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), acknowledged the concerns but redirected focus toward a broader issue—electoral reform.

“While the apprehension is valid, our party believes the emphasis should be on overhauling Nigeria’s electoral laws,” he said. “Democracy must rest on transparent, enforceable structures—not personalities. Strengthening the legal framework will go a long way in reducing the influence of individuals, restoring faith in the system, and ensuring the people’s will prevails.”