The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to announce the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as its new national chairman following his unanimous endorsement by party governors and state chairmen.
The decision came after a series of nocturnal meetings and consultations that stretched into the early hours of Thursday.
The APC National Executive Committee (NEC) was scheduled to convene at 2 p.m. today at the Presidential Villa banquet hall, where Yilwatda’s appointment will be officially ratified.
The meetings were spearheaded by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
Most APC governors were present, with the exception of Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who was represented by his deputy.
Around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the governors proceeded to the Presidential Villa to brief President Bola Tinubu on their choice.
They later met with APC state chairmen to secure broader support.
Professor Yilwatda, who hails from Plateau State, reportedly enjoys the backing of President Tinubu, in a move aimed at promoting religious balance within the party’s leadership and the federal government.
Yilwatda concluded the long day of negotiations with a closed-door meeting involving senior party figures, which lasted until about 3 a.m. [The Star]