New All Progressives Congress National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has declared the 2027 general elections “a done deal” for the ruling party. The former Plateau State governorship candidate expressed confidence in delivering victory for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates nationwide.
Yilwatda pledged to work with all stakeholders to deliver President Tinubu as well as governorship, National and State Assembly candidates of the party at the 2027 general elections. His appointment comes as the party seeks to consolidate its electoral gains ahead of the crucial polls.
The engineering professor, who unsuccessfully contested the Plateau State governorship election in 2023, brings extensive political experience to his new role. Political observers describe him as someone who “unsuccessfully contested the Plateau State governorship in 2023” but lost “by a slim margin.”
During his inaugural address to party supporters, Yilwatda expressed unwavering confidence in APC’s electoral prospects. He confidently declared that “2027 is a done deal for the APC” while promising to welcome more governors, lawmakers, and opposition party members.
The new chairman outlined ambitious plans to transform the party’s organizational structure and expand its membership base. He promised to enhance technology usage within the party while ensuring transparency in all operations and decision-making processes.
Yilwatda expressed confidence that opposition parties including the African Democratic Congress will fail in their bid to unseat President Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 election. His statement comes amid growing opposition coalition efforts targeting the presidency.
The appointment of Yilwatda as national chairman represents a strategic move by the APC leadership. Political sources describe him as someone who has “never failed in any of his political calculations apart from losing the Plateau governorship election.”
His emergence as party chairman has generated mixed reactions from opposition parties and political analysts. The Peoples Democratic Party and some Nigerians have criticised Yilwatda’s emergence as the new national chairman, citing his previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Despite criticisms, APC stakeholders have rallied behind the new chairman’s leadership vision for the party. Many believe his intellectual and organizational capabilities will strengthen the party’s electoral machinery ahead of the 2027 contests.
Central to APC’s 2027 calculations is Yilwatda’s ability to connect with Nigeria’s youth, a demographic considered crucial for electoral success. The party hopes to leverage his appeal among young voters to secure victory.
The new chairman faces the challenge of unifying party stakeholders and managing internal conflicts across states. His success in building consensus will largely determine the party’s performance in upcoming elections.
Yilwatda’s political journey includes his controversial emergence as APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. Eighteen of nineteen gubernatorial candidates accused incumbent Governor Simon Lalong of unduly supporting Yilwatda during the primary elections.
Following his defeat in the 2023 governorship election, Yilwatda challenged the result in court, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing electoral justice through legal means.
The APC under Yilwatda’s leadership plans to intensify membership drives and expand into opposition strongholds. The party aims to win more governorship seats and increase its legislative representation across states.
His appointment comes at a time when opposition parties are forming coalitions to challenge APC’s dominance. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has assured that the newly adopted coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, will challenge Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The new chairman’s confidence in APC’s electoral prospects reflects the party’s assessment of its performance and popularity. Party leaders believe their policies and programs have resonated well with Nigerian voters.
Yilwatda’s tenure will be tested by his ability to deliver on campaign promises and maintain party unity. His success could determine whether APC retains power beyond 2027 or faces defeat to opposition coalitions.