Nentawe’s emergence as APC national chairman: A turning point for Plateau, Middle Belt

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By Shu’aibu Usman Leman

The political terrain of Nigeria is one of perpetual motion—a landscape marked by shifting alliances, cyclical reforms, and the relentless reconfiguration of influence.
In such a dynamic setting, there are moments when political appointments transcend routine reshuffles and emerge as pivotal indicators of strategic transformation.
These instances offer more than a mere change of nomenclature; they symbolise recalibrations of power, realignments of political priorities, and, in some cases, the beginning of an entirely new chapter for previously overlooked regions.
One such moment has arrived with the recent appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda  as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.
His emergence, which sees him succeed the seasoned political heavyweight Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has been described in many quarters as a strategic and timely masterstroke by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is not merely an internal party affair; it is a statement—loud and unequivocal—about where the APC, and by extension, Nigeria, might be heading as the nation begins to look ahead to the 2027 general elections.
This appointment is being interpreted as a deliberate recalibration of the APC’s political machinery: injecting new energy, regional equity, and generational renewal into the leadership framework of the party. However, beyond the political calculations and the internal dynamics of party restructuring lies a broader, more consequential narrative.
It is a narrative that speaks directly to the hopes and aspirations of the people of Plateau State, and indeed, the entire Central Nigerian region, often referred to as the Middle Belt—a region rich in history, culture, and potential, yet one which has for decades been beset by underrepresentation, insecurity, and economic neglect.
The rise of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is not just a personal triumph or a party strategy. It is a deeply symbolic moment for the Middle Belt, which has long endured a history of marginalisation in Nigeria’s national political discourse.
The region’s grievances are well known: persistent communal conflicts, infrastructural deficits, economic stagnation, and a lack of adequate federal attention. For many in Plateau and neighbouring states, Nentawe’s elevation represents the long-overdue recognition of the region’s central role in the Nigerian federation—both geographically and demographically
The Middle Belt is a mosaic of ethnic groups and cultures, often referred to as the “heart of Nigeria”, not just because of its physical location but also because of its capacity for cultural integration and religious coexistence. Despite this, the region has been politically sidelined for much of the post-independence period. The emergence of a national party chairman from Plateau is, therefore, a watershed moment. It rekindles hopes that the concerns of this often-ignored region will no longer be relegated to the background but will now take centre stage in national decision-making processes.
Professor Nentawe’s profile embodies the very qualities that many Nigerians—especially young people—yearn for in contemporary leadership: youthfulness, intellectual rigour, and practical administrative experience. His academic achievements and his previous service in public office as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State have earned him credibility among Nigeria’s increasingly politically-conscious youth.
Furthermore, his foray into politics as the APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Plateau State elections solidified his grassroots appeal and introduced him to a wider national audience.
What sets Nentawe apart is not just his résumé, but the narrative he represents.
He reflects a break from the old political order characterised by gerontocracy, patronage networks, and transactional politics. His appointment resonates particularly with a youth population that forms approximately 60% of Nigeria’s electorate, according to data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This demographic, having grown weary of recycled leadership and unfulfilled promises, is increasingly demanding visionary, transparent, and inclusive governance. The APC, by placing someone like Nentawe at its helm, appears to be responding to these demands—at least symbolically.
Yet, it would be unrealistic to ignore the stark contrast between Professor Nentawe and his predecessor, Dr Ganduje, who brought to the role a wealth of political experience and institutional knowledge. A former two-term governor, deputy governor, and commissioner, Ganduje, was a consummate political actor, fully steeped in the art of Nigerian politics. By contrast, Nentawe arrives at the apex of party leadership with relatively limited national exposure. He faces a steep learning curve.
However, this very limitation might prove to be his greatest asset. Unburdened by the baggage of entrenched political compromises, Nentawe brings a fresh perspective to a role that is in urgent need of reform and rejuvenation. With sound mentorship from party elders, alignment with key power blocs, and a firm grounding in principles of accountability and equity, he has the opportunity not only to match his predecessor’s achievements but to surpass them. What he lacks in experience, he can make up for in innovation, honesty, and a clear-sighted commitment to rebuilding trust within and outside the party.
What makes this political moment even more promising is the potential synergy between Professor Nentawe and the incumbent governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang. Although they represent opposing parties—APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively—their political contest in 2023 was notable for its civility and respect, standing in sharp contrast to the rancorous tone often characteristic of Nigerian elections.
Governor Mutfwang, a lawyer and a respected grassroots politician, emerged victorious in an election widely seen as the voice of the Plateau people seeking a fresh start. In spite of the outcome, both men refrained from bitter rhetoric and maintained an air of maturity and statesmanship.
This political civility bodes well for possible collaboration—something desperately needed in a state still recovering from years of communal clashes, displacement, and economic dislocation.
The shared youthfulness and community focus of both Nentawe and Mutfwang suggest that, if they choose cooperation over rivalry, Plateau State could witness an unprecedented era of peacebuilding, infrastructural revival, and inclusive growth. Their capacity to rise above party divides may serve as a model for others, particularly in a political climate where ideology is often secondary to self-interest.
Professor Nentawe must now contend with the onerous responsibilities that accompany his new office.
As the chairman of the ruling party, he is no longer a regional figure but a national one. The APC under his stewardship must navigate an increasingly sceptical electorate, internal party tensions, and widespread public disenchantment fuelled by economic hardship, rising insecurity, and youth disillusionment.
To rise to these challenges, Nentawe must learn from the missteps of past chairmen.
The legacy of intra-party factionalism, public credibility crises, and unkept electoral promises should serve as cautionary examples. His leadership must be defined by integrity, openness, and the courage to engage constructively with differing voices within and outside the party. Unity, not uniformity, must be his guiding principle.
Moreover, while anchoring the interests of the Middle Belt, he must be careful not to appear parochial. His ability to elevate the concerns of his region while maintaining a nationalist outlook will be critical to his success. He must demonstrate that regional advocacy can coexist with national responsibility.
The implications of his appointment for Central Nigeria are profound. For the first time in recent history, the Middle Belt has a strategic foothold at the highest level of a ruling party.
This platform must be used wisely and deliberately. Key issues such as the persistent insecurity in agrarian communities, deteriorating educational infrastructure, inadequate access to healthcare, and rampant youth unemployment must now be brought to the national policy table with renewed ur
The region’s economic potential—especially in agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals—remains largely untapped.
Nentawe is in a unique position to mobilise federal attention and resources towards harnessing these opportunities for the benefit of not just Plateau or the Middle Belt, but the country at large.
The appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda marks a critical juncture not only in the life of the All Progressives Congress but also in the political future of Plateau State and the Middle Belt It represents both an extraordinary opportunity and an immense responsibility. While the challenges ahead are many—ranging from political inexperience to national expectation—they are not insurmountable.
With the benefit of wisdom, the support of key political actors, and a deep commitment to ethical leadership, Professor Nentawe has the potential to succeed—and to succeed remarkably.
The onus now lies not only on him, but on the people of the Middle Belt to rally behind this moment, to transform promise into progress, and to finally claim their rightful place in the Nigerian political story.
The winds of political change are indeed sweeping through the country.
For the resilient people of Plateau and Central Nigeria, they carry with them the scent of hope—real, tangible, and long overdue. This is a moment that must not be squandered. It is an invitation to collective renewal and the redefinition of a region’s destiny.

Leman is a former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
shuaibuusmanleman@yahoo.com
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