The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled plans to construct a new national secretariat in Abuja as part of its efforts to strengthen the party’s infrastructure and legacy.
The announcement came during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was elected as the new National Chairman alongside a national legal adviser and deputy national secretary.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the party’s 23 governors to work together in identifying a suitable site in collaboration with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, adding that a committee of progressive governors would oversee the project.
“We should leave behind a legacy of development. The governors are here to help identify a land, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We should establish a committee of progressive governors to identify suitable land and construct the secretariat,” Tinubu stated.
The President pressed for deeper community engagement and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. To you, the Governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands,” he said.
He reaffirmed the APC’s inclusive posture, noting that the party remains open to new members and fresh ideas. He dismissed the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and encouraged progressives nationwide to join the party and contribute to its developmental agenda.
“Our doors are still open, and we should wholeheartedly welcome those who join us,” he remarked, urging the new National Chairman to set up a committee to visit states and ensure the seamless registration and integration of new members.
Tinubu also commended former National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for shaping the party’s ideological framework, expressing confidence that the National Secretary would drive ongoing efforts to strengthen its progressive doctrine and institute.
The President welcomed recent entrants into the APC, including Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, as well as other key political figures.
The NEC observed a minute of silence in memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose contributions to national development were acknowledged despite their non-membership in the party.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged to transform the APC into a formidable and respected political force.
“I do not take this mandate for granted. I accept it with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility, determined to work with all of you to build and strengthen our party. We are all mechanics of this vehicle, the APC, and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination,” he said.
Yilwatda, who will vacate his post as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for entrusting him with the role. He vowed to unite, expand and strengthen the party, citing the support of members as crucial to realising the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Immediate past Acting Chairman Engr Bukar Dalori explained that Ganduje’s resignation prompted the NEC meeting, thanking Tinubu and the Progressive Governors’ Forum for guiding the transition.
A native of Dungung in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yilwatda, 56, boasts an accomplished academic and professional background. A former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, he has led significant reforms in technology integration and policy development.
His career includes advisory roles for institutions such as the European Union, UNICEF, World Bank and TECHVILE USA, alongside years of academic service culminating in his appointment as the pioneer Director of ICT at his alma mater.
Yilwatda also served as the APC’s 2023 Plateau governorship candidate and coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau during the general elections.