A top All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Diaspora leader, Prince Ade Omole, has praised the election of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the new national chairman of the ruling party, calling it a timely and strategic decision.

Omole, who was the Director of the APC Presidential Diaspora Campaign Directorate in 2023 and a member of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), shared his thoughts on Friday in Abuja. He described Yilwatda’s emergence as a bold and unifying move that comes at a crucial moment for the party.

“We are confident that under Yilwatda’s leadership, APC will be better positioned for grassroots mobilisation, internal reforms, and stronger performance ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

Yilwatda was elected unopposed during the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. His nomination by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum received overwhelming support through a voice vote.

Omole commended President Bola Tinubu, the APC NEC, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and all stakeholders for the peaceful process that produced Yilwatda, describing it as a demonstration of unity and forward-thinking leadership.

He added that Yilwatda’s background in governance, technology, and humanitarian services makes him well-qualified for the job. “This is a sign of the party’s commitment to capacity, competence, and continuity,” Omole noted.

Before his election, Yilwatda served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and in 2017, he was appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue under INEC. He also contested as the APC’s governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections.

Omole also took time to applaud Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, co-convener of TAG and current Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), for his efforts in implementing solar-powered projects aimed at lighting up communities across Nigeria.

Yilwatda replaces Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on health grounds in June 2025.

With Yilwatda now at the helm, party loyalists like Omole believe the APC is setting the stage for a stronger, more connected and re-energised structure heading into the future.