Prince Ade Omole, an All Progressives Congress ,APC, Chieftain and Diaspora leader, has described the election of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as the party’s national chairman as timely and strategic.
He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, yesterday in Abuja while reacting to the development, adding that Yilwatda’s election was also a bold step in the right direction.
NAN reports that Omole, a member of the Global Conveners of The Asiwaju Group ,TAG, was the Director of the defunct APC Presidential Diaspora Campaign Directorate in 2023.
He said that the new chairman’s emergence came at a time when the party was strengthening its base nationally and consolidating power across the federation.
“We are confident that under Yilwatda’s leadership, the APC will be further repositioned for grassroots engagement, institutional reforms, and electoral dominance ahead of 2027 general elections”, Omole said.
NAN reports that Yilwatda was elected unopposed during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee ,NEC, meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Thursday.
Omole commended President Bola Tinubu, the APC family, its NEC, the Progressive Governors’ Forum ,PGF, and all stakeholders for the peaceful and unified process that led to Yilwatda’s emergence.
He noted that Yilwatda’s nomination by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and Chairman of the PGF, received overwhelming support through a voice vote by the party’s NEC members.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate President Tinubu for guiding the party through this moment of transition with wisdom and unity.
“The emergence of Yilwatda as APC National Chairman affirms the party’s commitment to capacity, competence, and continuity.
“His pedigree in governance, technology, and humanitarian service, positions him well to steer the party through this critical phase”, Omole said.
He commended TAG’s Co-Convener, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria ,ECN, for his exemplary service to the nation.
He also commended Abdullahi for his commitment to the groundbreaking solarisation initiative aimed at lighting up communities across the country.
NAN reports that before his election, Yilwatda was the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Born on Aug. 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government of Plateau to the family of a clergy, Late Rev. and Mrs Toma, Yilwatda has huge administrative and electoral experiences.
He was appointed in 2017 as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, and posted to Benue as Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The new APC national chairman was also the APC Plateau governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.
He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria ,COREN, and a member of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Yilwatda is also a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, and Solar Society of Nigeria.
His emergence followed the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, APC’s former National Chairman, on health grounds on June 27.
