Dikko Umaru Radda, governor of Katsina State, has said that the emergence of Nentawe Yilwatda, as the new national chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), is a development that will unite the party, and position it for future electoral success.
The governor described his emergence also, as a strong reaffirmation of the party’s dedication to competence, internal reform, and connection with the grassroots.
In a statement circulated to journalists, Friday, the governor noted that his emergence comes at a defining moment in the party’s history, bringing with it renewed energy and a clear sense of direction.
He reaffirmed that the new chairman’s track record as a technocrat and administrator will be a major asset to the APC’s leadership.
“Professor Yilwatda has consistently proven himself to be a forward-thinking leader with the intellectual depth and political maturity required to lead the APC at this defining moment in our national journey.
“I am confident that under his guidance, the APC will not only grow stronger but become more attuned to the hopes and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians,” the Governor added,” the governor stated.
He also highlighted the new chairman’s impressive background in public service and academia, noting that his wide-ranging credentials will be critical in navigating the complexities of national party administration. “Here is a man who understands the delicate balance between policy, principle, and
Governor Radda urged the new APC national chairman to continue on the path of reform and inclusivity, and expressed strong optimism that his leadership would usher in greater strategic foresight, cohesion, and people centered progress within the party.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, I warmly congratulate Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him the wisdom, strength, and clarity needed as he takes on this critical national responsibility. The APC stands to gain greatly under his leadership,” Governor Radda concluded.
My leadership will welcome former members that want to return, says APC new chairman
Adeola Ajakaiye, Kano
Nentawe Yilwatda, newly elected national chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), said that the party under his leadership will maintain an open-door policy towards former members of the party that want to return, including, former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Yilwatda stated this while, speaking on Channels` political programme ‘Politics Today’, aired Thursday, responding to questions about speculation surrounding Kwankwaso’s possible return to the APC. His response was brief but clear: “I told you our doors are open.”
He expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would eventually draw former members back into the party fold.
“When everybody’s time is due, it will manifest itself. Just give people more time and you will see, people, on their own, will begin to see the manifesto of the party, the performance of the government, and the tough decisions the president has taken,” he said.
He argued that recent improvements in government revenue under Tinubu’s leadership could be a game-changer. “If you are a governor and you discover that, in the last month, the government’s revenue increased by over 40 per cent, and steadily, wouldn’t you want that government to be sustained?”
Kwankwaso, once a key figure within the APC, left the party in 2018 to rejoin the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He later defected to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2022, where he contested the 2023 presidential election.
Yilwatda, the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was elected APC chairman on Thursday by the National Executive Committee of the party, succeeding Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down in June citing personal reasons.
