President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to intensify their engagement with local communities to better address the needs of Nigerians.
He said this when Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was elected the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Yilwatda, who previously served as the party’s national legal adviser and deputy national secretary, was chosen by consensus.
The NEC meeting also approved an extension of the tenure for all zonal, state, council, and ward executives until December 31, 2025.
President Tinubu emphasised the critical importance of increased community interaction and greater responsiveness from elected officials to the concerns of citizens.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” the President noted.
He urged governors to “wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians,” adding a prayer for the nation’s democracy and “more fertile lands.”
The President also affirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving food sovereignty, assuring Nigerians of continuous effort and open dialogue to reach national goals.
Reiterating the APC’s inclusive approach, Tinubu declared that the party remains welcoming to new members and fresh ideas.
He dismissed the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and called upon progressive-minded Nigerians to join the APC and contribute to its developmental agenda.
“Our doors are still open, and we should wholeheartedly embrace those who join us,” he stated.
The President stressed that expanding the party’s membership is key to its strength.
He encouraged the new National Chairman to form a committee within the National Working Committee to visit states, ensuring seamless registration and integration of all new members.
President Tinubu extended his gratitude to the immediate past National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for his contributions to the party’s development and ideological clarity.
He specifically mentioned an assignment given to Ganduje on forming a “progressive doctrine and a progressive institute,” expressing belief that the National Secretary would help revitalise this initiative.
Addressing the governors present, President Tinubu challenged them to collaborate on leaving a lasting legacy, including the construction of a permanent party secretariat in Abuja.
He called for a committee of progressive governors, working with the Minister of the FCT, to identify suitable land and oversee the secretariat’s construction.
Acknowledging prevailing economic challenges, President Tinubu affirmed that significant progress has been made under his leadership.
He highlighted the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s record revenue collection of N14.9 trillion in the first six months of the year, representing a 43 per cent increase from 2024 figures.
“It is not easy to navigate the stormy waters of economic instability. Now, the economy is stabilised—there is no fear for the country except for continued upward movement and sustained growth. I can assure you,” he stated.
On security, the President noted substantial efforts in restoring safety across Nigeria, mentioning the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and bandits.
While observing a decrease in public fear, he cautioned for continued vigilance and commitment to national security, urging greater investment in people and a more accommodating approach.
President Tinubu welcomed several new entrants to the APC, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with other key political figures.
The meeting observed a minute of silence in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and, at the President’s request, also in tribute to the recently departed Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona (the Awujale of Ijebuland), acknowledging their significant contributions to national development despite not being party members.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who will be stepping down from his role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, pledged his unwavering commitment to building a strong and respected APC. He expressed profound gratitude to the party leadership, President Tinubu, governors, and all NEC members for entrusting him with such a crucial responsibility.
“Thank you for choosing me from among millions of party members. I will take this party to the next level,” Prof. Yilwatda declared.
“I do not take this mandate for granted. I accept it with gratitude and a complete sense of responsibility, determined to work with all of you to build and strengthen our party.
“We are all mechanics of this vehicle—the APC—and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination.”
He pledged to unite, expand, and strengthen the APC, focusing on its members as the foundation for fulfilling Nigerians’ aspirations through the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Earlier, the immediate past Acting National Chairman, Engr. Bukar Dalori acknowledged that the former National Chairman’s resignation necessitated the NEC meeting to fill the vacancy, thanking the President and the Progressive Governors’ Forum for their strategic intervention.
Professor Yilwatda, the APC’s 2023 Plateau governorship candidate, was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State.
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He is recognised as a distinguished academic and advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives. His academic journey includes a first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, a master’s from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
With over 26 years in academia, he became the pioneer Director of ICT at his alma mater, leading transformative digital reforms and earning multiple accolades.
Prof. Yilwatda’s expertise extends to digital transformation in Nigeria’s public and private sectors, with consultancy work for multinational organisations and global development partners.
His notable public service includes an appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner with INEC in 2017, where he championed electoral reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, developing voting frameworks for IDPs and PWDs, and integrating technology into Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stepped down in 2021 to contest for the Plateau State governorship and served as Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.
