The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday filled major National Working Committee (NWC) positions through a consensus arrangement, with Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda emerging as the party’s new National Chairman at its 4th Elective National Convention held in Abuja.
Yilwatda, from Plateau State, was among several candidates affirmed by party stakeholders in a move aimed at fostering unity and avoiding internal disputes. Also returned through consensus is Hon. Abubakar Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North), while Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru retained his position as National Secretary.
Other key officials who emerged unopposed include Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana as Deputy National Secretary, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau as National Vice Chairman (North Central), and Barrister Muritala Aliyu Kankia as National Legal Adviser.
The party also affirmed Felix Morka as National Publicity Secretary and Dayo Israel as National Youth Leader, alongside other consensus candidates who secured various positions within the party’s leadership structure.
The adoption of consensus candidates reflects the party leadership’s strategy to maintain cohesion and minimise contestation across most offices. However, a few positions that were initially contested were eventually decided, with Hon. Ben Nwoye emerging as Deputy National Chairman (South), while Hon. Ignatius Nwapa secured victory as National Welfare Secretary.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, administered the oath of office to the newly elected members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), formally inaugurating them into the party’s national leadership.
Following the swearing-in, the re-elected National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the new executives, expressing gratitude and pledging inclusive leadership.
“We are ready to lead and we give all the glory to God. I appreciate my father, Mr President, for his hope in the people”, he said.
He assured party members of unity and progress, stating, “We stand together and our victory is assured. We assure a transparent, inclusive and more prosperous Nigeria.”
“Inclusion is not an option. The future of equity is the future of Nigeria. We will not let you down by God’s grace.”
The convention, held at Eagle Square, brought together party delegates, leaders, and stakeholders from across the country to elect and affirm a new leadership expected to steer the affairs of the ruling party in the coming years.
