BY BEN OGBEMUDIA
The current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prof. Yilwatda was announced as the party’s National Chairman at the ongoing National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Thursday. He replaces Acting National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, who stepped in following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The APC is expected to formally announce Yilwatda’s appointment after a unanimous endorsement by party governors and state chairmen.
The decision followed a series of marathon meetings and consultations that stretched into the early hours of Thursday.
Earlier, meetings were spearheaded by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
Most APC governors were present, except for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who was represented by his deputy.
At about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the governors proceeded to the Presidential Villa to brief President Bola Tinubu on their choice. They later met with APC state chairmen to secure broader support.
Professor Yilwatda, who hails from Plateau State, is said to enjoy President Tinubu’s backing, in a move aimed at promoting religious balance within both the party’s leadership and the federal government.
He concluded the long day of negotiations with a closed-door meeting involving senior party figures, which lasted until about 3 a.m.