Introduction
Since the dramatic and controversial resignation of H.E. Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there have been series of agitations and intense lobbying for the top job by various individuals and interest groups. From the North Central zone which believes that the slot belongs to it, some names of top political gladiators have kept featuring as top contenders for the coveted seat of National Chairman. Some of them are Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye, former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. George Akume former Governor and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (who has recently put up a strong disclaimer), Sen. Tanko Almakura, former Governor of Nasarawa State. Of late the name of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs is being mentioned by his supporters as another contender.
*PROF. YILWATDA’S MINUSES*
The major snag about Prof. Yilwatda’s purported aspiration is how his name is being peddled by himself and his supporters as the one already endorsed for the National Chairmanship by the Presidency through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Senate Committee Chairman on National Security. How true this statement is, remains to be proved by him and his overzealous supporters. But most political pundits have regarded the Honourable Minister’s aspiration as self-serving and a product of inordinate ambition, considering the fact that he is not only a greenhorn in Party politics but has not even effectively settled down at his current duty-post. The big question on the lips of many is: is he conversant with the dynamics and intricacies of the APC as a political Party harbouring diverse interests? Another question is, to which of the power blocs within the APC does he belong? Many would also want to know, is it Ministerial, Governorship or National Chairmanship that he wants? To him and his supporters, he would want to wear all these caps, if possible. This is one ambition too many.
A big challenge to his ambition is the uncanny manner he has continued to go about the “campaign” which is characterised by lies, propaganda and backbiting. He has re-enacted the style he used to lure the then Governor Lalong into endorsing him for the APC Governorship flag-bearer in the 2023 general elections which he lost. He has continued to loiter around all high places with lies and blackmail so as to be favoured for the plum job. It is on record that Prof. Yilwatda’s emergence as Plateau State APC’s Governorship flag-bearer coupled with his arrogant gait and political inexperience were responsible for the State APC Chapter’s deep-seated division, during the 2023 general elections, a sad development which he has not bothered to address eight months after his being appointed as Minister.
Let the truth be told, if APC wants a serious National Chairman, certainly Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda is not the best choice. What then are the qualities to be considered in the choice of a National Chairman especially at this moment? One, being grounded in Party politics; two, governance experience; three, ability to galvanize all contending interests; four, being part of the vision of the Party right from the day of its formation, amongst other things.
*CONCLUSION*
We are using this opportunity to appeal to leaders and well-meaning members of the APC to be wary of supporting a desperate, politically unknown and inexperienced personality like Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for the National Chairmanship of the Party. To do so at this critical juncture of the Party’s efforts at consolidation amidst the Herculean task of galvanizing the Party through the stormy political terrain shall be adversely counterproductive. To be forewarned is to be fore-armed. The Party especially in Plateau State stands the risk of unmitigated implosion if this warning is not heeded.
*Sgd*:
*North-Central Concerned APC Members*
