Nentawe Yilwatda, the newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to lead with strength and diplomacy, balancing tough decisions with inclusive leadership to reposition the ruling party.

After assuming the role, Yilwatda emphasized that while he brings a calm demeanor, he’s prepared to take the bold steps necessary to unify and grow the APC.

“The confidence they have in me is to make sure I take tough decisions, but with gentility and teamwork for the collective interest of the party,” he stated.

Yilwatda likened his leadership approach to that of President Bola Tinubu, describing the president as “soft-talking, calm, gentle,” but also a bold reformer making tough decisions many shy away from.

“Of course, I will [make hard calls], because that is what the President asked me to do and what members are asking me to do,” he said.

The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, who also contested for governor in Plateau State under APC in 2023, says his core focus is party unity and expansion.

Yilwatda outlined a clear mission: grow the APC’s presence across the nation by attracting new members, including opposition figures.

“We have 23 governors and we are still counting. My job is to bring in more,” he noted. “We would do legwork and bring in more.”

He also pledged to work closely with party veterans including Abdullahi Ganduje, Adams Oshiomhole, Abdullahi Adamu, and Mai Mala Buni, leveraging their experience to strengthen the APC.

Yilwatda’s résumé brings together a rare blend of academia, engineering, administration, and electoral governance.

“I’m a politician coming in with private sector experience, university experience, administrative experience, election processes experience and now with political experience to gear the wheel of the party,” he declared.

With Nigeria’s political climate heating up ahead of future elections, all eyes will be on Yilwatda’s leadership style and how he balances party interests, governance priorities, and national unity.