The new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has vowed to take tough decisions in the interest of the party and the country, stating that leadership at the national level requires both firmness and a broad understanding of Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Speaking in his first formal comments since assuming office, Yilwatda said his emergence is not just a political appointment, but a call to duty at a time when the ruling party holds significant power across federal and subnational structures, including state governments, the National Assembly, and local councils.

He said the APC must align its structure with its mission to deliver quality governance and must strengthen its internal system in order to win elections and improve the lives of Nigerians.

“This role is not just about politics; it’s a burden I carry to strengthen our party structure and ensure that we remain not just an election-winning machine, but a platform for good governance,” he said. “We hold sway from the national to subnational levels – governors, senators, representatives, chairmen and it is our responsibility to deliver for the Nigerian people.”

Professor Yilwatda, who was humanitarian minister before his appointment as the national chairman of the ruling party, said his varied experience across academia, governance, and civil society has equipped him to steer the APC with purpose and vision.

“I became a university director in my 30s, I’ve led administrative reforms, worked with national and international agencies like UNICEF, and carried out electoral innovations with INEC, especially in deepening the use of technology and inclusivity for people with disabilities and in distressed communities,” he noted.

He explained that his national exposure from working in Sokoto, Borno, Lagos, and Delta, to fieldwork across the South-East and South-South regions gives him a well-rounded perspective on the country’s challenges.

“From this vantage point, I understand what must be done at the local, state, and federal levels. My role now is to combine all my experiences from the private sector, academia, public administration, and electoral reforms – and channel them into strengthening the APC.”

On the expectations of his leadership style, Professor Yilwatda addressed public perception that he is too calm for the intensity of national party politics.

“People see me as gentle and easy-going. But if you observe President Tinubu, you’ll see someone who appears soft-spoken but makes tough decisions. I’ll do the same,” he said. “The President and party members have mandated me to take bold steps. So yes, I will take tough decisions, but with calmness, consultation, and collective interest at the heart of every move.”

He said decision-making would be grounded in the party’s structure, with respect for the National Working Committee and broad consultation with state chapters and ward-level leaderships.

“Coordination is key. I am the coordinator of both national and subnational levels. According to our party’s constitution, power begins at the ward level, and the governors and state party chairmen are critical players. The job at the national headquarters is mainly to provide leadership and harmonise all efforts.” he said.