By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-elected Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Chairman at the party’s 8th National Convention held in Abuja on Friday.
In a move that underscored party unity, delegates also returned all members of the National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement, ratified by an affirmative voice vote.
The newly elected NWC members, who were immediately sworn in at the convention, are expected to steer the affairs of the ruling party for the next four years.
Among those returned are Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori; Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu; National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru; National Financial Secretary, Bashir Gumel; and National Legal Adviser, Murtala Kankia, among others.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged that the new leadership would work towards strengthening the party and supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu in rebuilding the country.
“Our mission is clear: together, we will build a pan-African and pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, more transparent, inclusive, disciplined and united than ever,” he said.
He assured party members of efforts to deepen internal democracy, enhance trust in party structures and expand its reach across communities nationwide.
“We will deepen internal democracy so that every member is heard. We will strengthen our structures so that every person will trust them. We will expand our reach so that the message of renewed hope resonates in every community,” he added.
The APC chairman also emphasised youth inclusion, noting that young people remain central to the party’s present and future aspirations.
Yilwatda commended President Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for the party, describing the APC’s future as closely tied to Nigeria’s development under the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He pointed to ongoing economic reforms, investments in infrastructure, and social intervention programmes as indicators of progress, expressing optimism about the country’s economic trajectory.
Describing his re-election as a call to duty rather than privilege, Yilwatda said the new NWC was fully aware of the weight of responsibility placed on it by millions of party members across the country.
“I do not see this convention as a crown, but as a duty—one that carries the burden of trust of millions of our members,” he said.
He further pledged to run an open-door administration and expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.
