The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) decided to write the wrong on Thursday following its decision to elect the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as its new national chairman.
TheHintsNews reports that the ruling party decided to jettison its zoning arrangement when Senator Abdullahi Adamu was forced to resign as the Chairman of the party.
The party had zoned the position to the North Central, but when Adamu was shown the way out, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje replaced him. Ganduje who was the immediate past Governor of Kano state hails from North West.
His appointment created ripples within the party with the North Central feeling short changed, hence the agitation for the party to respect its zoning formula.
Nevertheless, Yilwatda’s election has finally laid the agitation to rest.
His election followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma and seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.
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, 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.
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.