By Adegbaju Temitope
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside Nigeria, following what the party described as an exceptionally demanding and eventful first year of his tenure.
The vacation, according to the APC, is intended to provide the National Chairman an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and reflect on the responsibilities ahead of the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, said Yilwatda’s decision to embark on the vacation followed months of intensive party engagements, consultations, travels and strategic activities aimed at repositioning and strengthening the APC.
According to the statement, the National Chairman has, since assuming office, devoted considerable attention to building a more cohesive, stronger and electorally competitive party, working with members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, members of the National Assembly, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders across the country.
The party said Yilwatda’s first year in office had been marked by significant organisational and electoral activities, including the successful organisation and conclusion of the APC National Convention and the strengthening of the party’s internal structures.
It added that the party had also successfully conducted its primary elections at various levels in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The APC described the developments as significant achievements recorded within a relatively short period, saying they had further consolidated its position as Nigeria’s leading political party and one of Africa’s largest political organisations.
The party, however, stressed that Yilwatda’s vacation should not be interpreted as disengagement from APC affairs, saying the period would enable him to temporarily step away from the intensity of his day-to-day responsibilities, recharge and reflect on the challenges confronting the party.
The statement said the National Chairman would use the vacation to “rest, retool and further sharpen his strategic thinking” ahead of the 2027 general elections, which the party considers crucial to the future of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The 2027 elections are expected to be a major test for the ruling party as it seeks to consolidate its hold on the Federal Government and strengthen its position across the states and legislative institutions.
Yilwatda is also expected to use the period to reflect on the next phase of the APC’s development and put finishing touches to plans for the forthcoming National Working Committee retreat.
The proposed retreat is expected to bring members of the NWC together to review the party’s activities and performance so far, assess emerging challenges and develop strategies for the months leading to the 2027 elections.
According to the statement, the retreat is also expected to improve coordination within the NWC and strengthen the party’s preparedness for what is likely to be an intensive electoral season.
The APC described the vacation as “timely and necessary”, arguing that leadership at the national level of a major political organisation requires not only constant engagement but also periods of reflection, strategic assessment and renewal.
The party further assured members and stakeholders that Yilwatda’s temporary absence from the country would not affect the operations of the APC.
It said the National Working Committee would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the party’s constitution and established procedures during the National Chairman’s absence.
