…Hints at Kwankwaso’s defection in bold strategy
In his first major appearance since assuming office, the newly sworn-in National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the party—centered on unity, expansion, and strategic consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking Thursday night on a television programme, Yilwatda projected a calm but resolute leadership style, one he says mirrors that of President Bola Tinubu: “calm, gentle, but taking bold decisions where others even fear to discuss”.
Yilwatda recounted how his emergence as APC National Chairman was the product of wide-ranging consultations, internal consensus, and what he described as “political maturity” within the party. “The APC showed cohesion. You consult, you discuss—that’s what politics is all about”, he said, revealing that his candidacy was collectively endorsed by APC governors in what he called a testament to internal democracy.
Formerly the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State and ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Yilwatda now inherits the task of managing a party that controls over 20 states and commands a majority in the 10th National Assembly.
However, beyond internal stability, Yilwatda made headlines with his remarks hinting at high-profile defections from the opposition—most notably that of former Kano State governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
His comments come just days after Kwankwaso held a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa – sparking widespread speculation of an imminent defection. Political analysts view Kwankwaso’s potential move as part of a larger effort by the APC to reclaim lost ground in the North and weaken the emerging opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).
Yilwatda confirmed that discussions and alignments were ongoing and emphasized the positive transformation under Tinubu’s government as a major attraction for political realignment.
With his leadership now official following a swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Yilwatda says his immediate focus will be to strengthen party structures, energize the National Working Committee (NWC), and ensure smooth coordination with past party leaders like Abdullahi Ganduje, Adams Oshiomhole, Abdullahi Adamu, and Mai Mala Buni.
“My job is to unite the party and to expand the party,” he declared. “We already have 23 governors – and we’re still counting”.
