By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has emerged as the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Yilwatda was elected chairman of the ruling party during its national executive committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
He succeeds former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who recently resigned from the position, citing health related matters as reason for the resignation.
The emergence of Yilwatda from Plateau State in North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria set the stage in the determination of the party leaders to chart a new direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon following a unanimous resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Yilwatda, a former governorship candidate of the party in Plateau State and an avid loyalist of ex-Governor Simon Lalong, was immediately sworn in at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
Before his emergence, The Daily Crucible gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had privately sought the support and cooperation of key party stakeholders and governors to ensure a seamless consensus in favour of the Plateau-born technocrat.
The development some said, resolved the simmering agitations for return of the chairmanship seat to the North Central zone, a position originally zoned to the region before it was given to ex – governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Also, Yilwatda’s selection is significant. As a Christian from the Middle Belt, his emergence is widely interpreted as an attempt by Tinubu’s camp to douse regional and religious flames that trailed the imposition of a Muslim-Muslim presidency in 2023.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is not a stranger to Nigeria’s political and bureaucratic terrain.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke LGA of Plateau State, he rose through the ranks as an academic, technocrat, and politician.
A former Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Yilwatda holds a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and previously served as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State between 2017 and 2021.
He resigned from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the APC governorship primary in 2022, defeating key party figures including former deputy governor Sonni Tyoden.
However, he lost the 2023 gubernatorial election to PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang, and despite this, he remained a powerful figure in Plateau APC and was rewarded with a federal cabinet position.
Yilwatda’s appointment to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs came after his mentor, Simon Lalong, returned to the Senate after a Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the PDP’s earlier victory in Plateau South.
Beyond politics, Yilwatda has worked as a consultant for several international development agencies and has over 29 years of experience across academia, civil service, and project management.
Below is detailed profile of Yilwatda:
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a distinguished academic, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he hails from a lineage of service, being the son of the Late Rev. Toma Yilwatda.
From an early age, Prof. Yilwatda demonstrated a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering.
As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years. His expertise and leadership propelled him to the position of the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, a role in which he led transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes. His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.
Beyond academia, Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His ability to merge technology with governance has made him a sought-after expert in digital innovation and policy development.
In 2017, his expertise and integrity led to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed groundbreaking reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system. In 2021, he courageously stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.
These diverse experiences have equipped Prof. Yilwatda with an exceptional network spanning government, the private sector, and international development organizations. His ability to build strategic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing policies that drive sustainable development and social impact.
Today, as Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yilwatda brings to the table a wealth of experience, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility. His appointment is a testament to his lifelong commitment to service, his passion for leveraging technology for good governance, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
In addition to his ministerial role, he serves as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.
Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is not just a leader, but he is a catalyst for change, a bridge between technology and governance, and a beacon of hope for millions striving for a better future.
