Dignitaries including governors, senators, and party chieftains have begun arriving at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Strong indications point to the emergence of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as the next National Chairman of the ruling party. Many dignitaries at the venue were seen congratulating him in anticipation of the official announcement.
Sources within the party confirm that Yilwatda’s adoption followed a series of late-night consultations and marathon meetings that stretched into the early hours of Thursday. The meetings, convened by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, were attended by nearly all APC governors, with the exception of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who was represented by his deputy.
At around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night, the governors proceeded to the Presidential Villa to brief President Bola Tinubu on their collective decision. This was followed by a strategic session with APC state chairmen to secure their endorsement of Yilwatda’s candidacy.
Following the endorsement, Yilwatda held another closed-door meeting with select party leaders, which reportedly lasted until about 3:00 a.m.
ait.live gathered that Yilwatda, who hails from Plateau State, enjoys the full backing of President Tinubu. His selection is said to be a strategic move aimed at ensuring religious and regional balance within the leadership structure of both the party and the federal government.
The NEC meeting is expected to formalize his appointment and address other critical party matters ahead of future political activities.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
