By Sabastine Abu
In the ever-shifting landscape of Nigerian politics, where loyalty is often transient and alliances are fluid, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has achieved something remarkable: it has transformed into the undisputed “bride” of the nation’s political scene, attracting very high placed politicians into the party. At the heart of this renaissance is a man whose integrity, intellectual heft, and bridge-building acumen have made the ruling party the most desirable destination for politicians across the spectrum. Since his emergence as National Chairman in July 2025, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has injected a dose of credibility and fresh air into the APC, turning it into a beacon for those seeking a home for genuine service .
A breath of fresh air into the APC immediately showed,
when Professor Yilwatda was unanimously elected by the National Executive Committee (NEC), indicating a decisive break from the politics of the “godfather.” Unlike his predecessors who emerged from the governorship cadre, Yilwatda brought a different kind of pedigree: that of a distinguished academic, a technocrat and a reformer.
With a doctorate in Electronic and Computer Engineering and over 26 years as a university lecturer, calm and always wearing a cheerful smile, the Plateau State-born leader is not your typical party chieftain. Yet, it is precisely this background that has become the APC’s greatest selling point.
In a political climate often clouded by suspicion, Yilwatda’s most significant asset is his untainted image. As one analyst noted, “He is the only person for now who does not have corruption baggage hanging on his neck”.
So, why has the APC become the “favorite bride” under his watch? The answer lies in the twin pillars of his leadership: credibility and inclusivity.
Firstly, Yilwatda’s presence has served as a powerful reassurance to potential defectors. Politicians weary of the opposition’s internal crises are looking at the APC and seeing a party that values competence over cronyism. His track record as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs for a brief period, where he pioneered the “Skills-to-Wealth” program, showcases a leader focused on tangible impact rather than political rhetoric . This has made the APC a comfortable home for progressive-minded individuals who want to be associated with a government that delivers.
Secondly, Yilwatda has masterfully navigated the complex terrain of Nigeria’s religious and regional balancing. His emergence corrected the previous religious imbalance in the party’s leadership, restoring the sense of belonging for the Christian community and soothing the tensions that had arisen from the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. By returning the National Chairmanship to the North Central zone, he has not only settled a long-standing agitation but has demonstrated that the APC is a party that listens and heals. This act of political appeasement has sent a clear message: the APC is a big tent where every zone and faith has a seat at the table.
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Yilwada’s unifying power was seen in December 2025, when the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, conferred the revered chieftaincy title of Zegebar-U-Tiv on Yilwatda and his wife. This honour, bestowed by the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, was a public acknowledgment of Yilwatda’s role as a “bridge-builder, reform advocate, and promoter of peaceful coexistence”. In a region often divided by ethnic lines, seeing a Plateau-born leader honoured by the Tiv kingdom symbolizes the harmony his leadership inspires, a powerful magnet for politicians from the Middle Belt and beyond.
His first major test of internal management further solidified his reputation for decisive, yet fair, leadership. In October 2025, when the party moved to dissolve the Enugu State Executive Committee and appoint a caretaker committee, it was Yilwatda who presided with a steady hand, ensuring that the party’s affairs in the Southeast were managed with strategic foresight. Is therefore no wonder that for the first time since the commencement of Nigeria’s 4th Republic in 1999, that the entire South- South and 80 percent of the South- East states of the country have now aligned to the APC under his leadership.
As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general elections, the APC under Yilwatda is not just preparing for another contest; it is consolidating a movement. Even state chapters far from the seat of power, like Zamfara, have hailed his emergence as “well-deserved and timely,” noting that it is a strategic move to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Even his critics acknowledge his unique appeal. Following a disparaging prophecy about his capacity, the Arewa Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF) rallied to his defense, insisting that his “pedigree speaks to competence, transparency and dedication”.
Despite his very jovial, casual, people oriented and down to earth personality, he is also a firm principled leader, who believes in following the books and fairness to all.
In a nation yearning for leadership that inspires trust, Professor Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe has made the APC the belle of the ball. He has thus far, proven that a political party can be both progressive and principled, both powerful and inclusive. For the politicians across Nigeria currently weighing their options, the calculus is simple: the APC, under this chairman, is not just a party they desire to join, but, one upon which they wish to pursue their political ambitions.
●
