Power Shift: Tinubu Dumps Ganduje, Unveils New APC National Chairman

This latest development has effectively ended the widespread speculation surrounding who would succeed Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former APC National Chairman, who stepped down citing health-related reasons.

According to a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke to Daily Sun, the appointment of Yilwatda reflects the party leadership’s decision to bring in a true democrat to steer the party’s affairs, moving away from the trend of career politicians who previously held the position.

Yilwatda’s emergence comes just ahead of today’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, following a high-level strategy session at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday night, which involved President Bola Tinubu, members of the APC Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), and other key stakeholders.

The NWC insider also explained that choosing Yilwatda—a Christian—was a deliberate move to address the religious imbalance within the party’s top leadership, calling it a calculated and strategic decision.

Yilwatda, who was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs last year, also contested as the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections.

Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he is the son of the late Reverend Toma Yilwatda. He brings a wealth of administrative and electoral experience to the table.

Previously, in 2017, he served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A certified engineer, Yilwatda is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and belongs to several professional bodies including the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the Nigeria Society of Engineers, and the Solar Society of Nigeria—making him a well-connected technocrat with a strong professional background.