Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda: A Biography of Nigeria’s New APC National Chairman

Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda emerged as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 24, 2025, following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Executive Committee. His appointment marks a significant moment in Nigerian politics, bringing together decades of academic excellence, engineering expertise, electoral administration experience, and political leadership to the helm of the country’s dominant political party.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 8 1968 in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nentawe Yilwatda comes from a religious family as the son of the late Reverend Toma Yilwatda and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda. His upbringing in a clerical household instilled in him values of service and community development that would later define his career trajectory.

Yilwatda’s educational journey began at LGED Primary School in Dungung, where he completed his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981. He proceeded to the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School in Gindiri, graduating with his GCE O-Level in 1986. This foundation at one of Nigeria’s notable secondary institutions set the stage for his future academic achievements.

His higher education commenced at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he obtained a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1992. Driven by academic excellence, he pursued postgraduate studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He completed his academic qualifications with a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in cutting-edge technology that would later inform his professional contributions.

Beyond formal education, Yilwatda enhanced his expertise through international training programs. He received specialized training from the United Nations University International Institute for Software Technology in Macau, China, focusing on Building Electronic Governance Structure. Additional professional development included training from the Association of African Universities on Sustainable Development in Africa and specialized programs from AfriNIC in Mauritius and NetTel@Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, which contributed to early Internet Protocol address transitions in Africa.

Academic and Professional Career

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (1995-2017)

Yilwatda’s academic career began in 1995 as an Assistant Lecturer at Plateau State Polytechnic, but he quickly transitioned to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 1996 as a Graduate Assistant. Over the next 26 years he built an impressive academic profile that seamlessly integrated teaching, research, and institutional administration.

His most significant contribution at the university was serving as the pioneer Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for 12 years. In this role, he developed a comprehensive 10-year ICT strategy plan that encompassed ICT architecture and information flows associated with various university functions, processes, and key reports. His leadership in this position earned him recognition as Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

Yilwatda served as a member of the university Senate from 2006 to 2017, participating in high-level academic governance and policy formulation. He also held various administrative positions including Head of Department, demonstrating his leadership capabilities across different levels of university administration.

Engineering and Technology Expertise

As a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Yilwatda maintains active membership in several professional organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Society of Nigeria. His expertise spans renewable energy, ICT systems, and digital governance solutions.

His technical contributions include significant work on renewable-energy projects, particularly through his involvement in the PAWA 774 Project, a private-sector-led initiative to deploy clean, eco-friendly electricity using micro-grid technology to rural communities. Between 2005 and 2012, he served as lead consultant for a UNICEF project covering the design, training, and installation of alternative-energy sources for cold-chain systems across multiple Nigerian states including Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra.

Government and Development Consulting

Yilwatda’s expertise in ICT and governance led to numerous consulting opportunities with national and international organizations. He served as a project consultant on Nigeria’s first Integrated Financial Management Information System for key government institutions including the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Office of Statistics, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Debt Management Office, National Planning Commission, and Budget Office. This work provided him with comprehensive knowledge of Nigeria’s revenue and financial framework, regulations, policies, and opportunities.

He participated in the team that implemented the World Bank STEP-B project, working on grants to implement a Unified Network and ICT Solution for the Nigeria Education and Research Network (NgREN). His involvement in multiple World Bank- and EU-funded projects, including collaborations with UNICEF, demonstrated his capacity to manage complex international development initiatives.

As a member of Federal Government energy-research delegations to the USA and Canada, Yilwatda negotiated technology-transfer and acquisition opportunities for Nigeria. He subsequently served on the implementation team of the Cuban Government/Energy Commission of Nigeria program that promoted energy efficiency in residential and public sectors.

Electoral Administration Experience

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (2017-2021)

In 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yilwatda as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) with the Independent National Electoral Commission, posting him to Benue State. His tenure as REC was marked by significant innovations and reforms that enhanced Nigeria’s electoral processes.

One of his most notable contributions was championing electoral reforms for Internally Displaced Persons. He designed templates and frameworks to enable IDPs to exercise their civic rights during elections, addressing a critical gap in Nigeria’s electoral system. He also developed voting frameworks for people living with disabilities, furthering electoral inclusivity.

During his tenure, Yilwatda supervised several challenging elections, including the recall process of Senator Dino Melaye in 2018 and the Rivers State governorship and House of Assembly polls in 2019. His management of these sensitive electoral processes earned him recognition for maintaining electoral integrity under difficult circumstances.

He also contributed to the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system and championed policy amendments to the Electoral Act.

Political Career

2023 Plateau State Gubernatorial Campaign

In December 2021, Yilwatda resigned from his INEC position to pursue political office. He joined the APC and contested the party’s gubernatorial primary in Plateau State for the 2023 elections. In a keenly contested primary, he defeated former deputy governor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden and three other candidates to secure the APC governorship ticket.

His gubernatorial campaign was supported by his political mentor, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, with whom he maintains a solid relationship. Despite running an intensive campaign, Yilwatda lost the 2023 election to Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the PDP candidate, he graciously accepted the judgment, earning commendation for political maturity and respect for judicial processes.

Tinubu Campaign Coordination

During the 2023 presidential election, Yilwatda served as the coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State. His effective coordination of the presidential campaign in the state demonstrated his organizational capabilities and loyalty to the party.

Ministerial Appointment and Service

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs (2024-2025)

In October 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. His appointment came as part of a broader cabinet restructuring that included the dismissal of Dr. Betta Edu and the renaming of the ministry to emphasize poverty reduction.

As minister, Yilwatda faced the challenging task of rebuilding trust in a ministry that had been plagued by allegations of corruption and procedural abuses. His mandate encompassed managing humanitarian crises, coordinating disaster response, and implementing poverty-alleviation programs for over 100 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty.

His ministerial performance included expanding social-protection services to millions of Nigerians and coordinating effective humanitarian interventions across crisis-affected areas nationwide. He serves as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team and Chairman of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development.

APC National Chairman (2025-present)

Path to Leadership

Yilwatda’s emergence as APC National Chairman followed the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje on June 27 2025, who cited health concerns. His selection was the result of intense consultations led by President Tinubu and APC governors, with strong support from First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu.

The decision to select Yilwatda was influenced by several strategic considerations. As a Christian from the North Central region, his appointment was seen as addressing religious and regional balance within the party’s leadership structure, particularly given concerns over the Muslim-Muslim presidency of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The position had originally been zoned to the North Central before being given to Ganduje from the Northwest.

Appointment and Inauguration

At the APC NEC meeting on July 24 2025, Governor Hope Uzodinma moved the motion for Yilwatda’s appointment, seconded by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The consensus decision reflected broad party support for his leadership. He was sworn in immediately at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

His appointment was welcomed across the party, with the Lagos APC describing it as well deserved and the North Central APC Forum celebrating the return of the chairmanship to their region.

Personal Life and Family

Yilwatda is married to Dr. Martina Yilwatda, and their union is blessed with children, including a son, Beji Nentawe Goshwe. The family resides in Rayfield, Jos South, Plateau State. He is a devout Christian and member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).

Philanthropy and Community Development

Educational Support

For over 12 years, Yilwatda has provided scholarships and JAMB fees for 200 students annually from Kanke and Pankshin, hiring additional teachers to prepare them for university admission and supporting them through higher education.

Youth Empowerment

In 2018, he trained 100 youths in animal husbandry, empowering participants to establish piggeries. In 2019, he distributed 112 laptops to indigent students.

Rural Development

He co-founded the Bikatki Cooperative to provide credit to rural farmers, enabling agricultural expansion and income growth. He also spearheaded classroom construction projects in remote communities.

Awards, Publications, and Recognition

Honors

Yilwatda was named among Nigeria’s 50 Most Influential Digital Economy Leaders in 2024, while earning multiple awards at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, including Best Director of the Year.

Selected Publications

1. “Radio Frequency Sensor-Based Traffic Light Control for Emergency Vehicles,” International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research 2022
2. “Design and Simulation of a Walking Biped Robot using MATLAB/Simscape/Multibody,” Indian Journal of Engineering 2019

Leadership Philosophy

His vision centers on leveraging technology for development, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering collaborative leadership. His track record of electoral innovation, ICT-driven reforms, and community empowerment positions him to lead the APC with a focus on grassroots engagement and national progress.

Challenges and Opportunities

As APC Chairman, Yilwatda must heal internal rifts, balance regional and religious interests, and prepare the party for future elections. His diverse experience gives him tools to modernize party operations and expand democratic participation.

Conclusion

Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s journey from academia to national party leadership embodies a blend of scholarship, technology expertise, public service, and philanthropy. His emergence as APC National Chairman signals potential for transformative leadership grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and strategic development that could reshape both his party and Nigeria’s political landscape.