Yilwatda’s Chairmanship: Tinubu’s Strategic Move to Secure APC’s 2027 Victory
By Bolaji Olabode
The appointment of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is far more than a routine leadership change—it is a strategic calculation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one that positions the ruling party for continuity, consolidation, and a decisive victory in the 2027 general elections.
This decision reflects both Tinubu’s legendary political foresight and the APC’s unmatched capacity for internal cohesion. In a political environment often marred by instability and infighting, the APC continues to show that it is not only the most dominant party in Nigeria today, but also the most disciplined and forward-looking.
Yilwatda’s emergence signifies a deliberate rebalancing of power in favor of the North Central—an often-marginalized but electorally critical region. As a former governorship candidate in Plateau State and respected technocrat, Yilwatda embodies the hopes of a zone that includes political powerhouses like Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi.
Tinubu’s strategic decision to elevate a North Central leader demonstrates his deep understanding of Nigeria’s electoral geography. With this move, the APC is not just appeasing a vital region—it is transforming it into a reliable stronghold. Yilwatda’s leadership is expected to consolidate the region’s loyalty to the party, building on the APC’s recent wins in bye-elections and gubernatorial races.
With both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being Muslims, Yilwatda’s Christian background from Plateau offers a meaningful balance in the APC’s top hierarchy. It projects the image of a party that understands Nigeria’s religious sensitivities and responds proactively—not reactively.
This religious inclusion is no accident. It is a product of President Tinubu’s political intelligence and his long-standing commitment to building broad, representative coalitions. The APC under his leadership is not merely seeking electoral advantage; it is offering a governance model that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism.
Yilwatda, known for his inclusive and level-headed leadership style, brings a unifying presence. His experience as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and former minister positions him to lead the APC with clarity, fairness, and administrative discipline.
President Tinubu’s imprint is unmistakable in the APC’s post-2023 evolution. From stabilizing the economy and launching key reforms, to restructuring the party’s leadership and aligning governance with grassroots realities, Tinubu has demonstrated that he is not just a president—but a strategist-in-chief.
The choice of Yilwatda is consistent with this broader strategy. It reflects a leader who is not only planning for governance success but also engineering the political machinery that will sustain it. The APC, under Tinubu’s guidance, is not waiting for election season to start building—it is working, recruiting, reforming, and preparing.
Yilwatda’s bold remark that the 2027 election is “a done deal” speaks to this confidence. It is not about arrogance; it is about preparedness. Under Tinubu’s leadership, the APC has already delivered sweeping victories in off-cycle elections and attracted high-profile defectors—proof that the party knows how to win, and more importantly, how to manage success.
While opposition parties struggle with internal fractures, leadership tussles, and conflicting narratives, the APC continues to demonstrate organizational maturity. Unlike previous transitions that were marred by factionalism, Yilwatda’s appointment came through a smooth, consensual process.
This unity is one of the APC’s most underrated strengths. The party’s ability to resolve disputes internally, maintain loyalty, and execute coordinated strategies speaks volumes about its internal culture. With Yilwatda at the helm, and with Tinubu setting the strategic tone, the APC is entering the 2027 race with a united front and a focused agenda.
One of the clearest advantages the APC enjoys today is the seamless link between governance and political planning. President Tinubu’s reforms—ranging from subsidy removal to infrastructure expansion and investment in local production—are beginning to yield visible results. Yilwatda’s chairmanship offers a rare opportunity to align these gains with a coherent campaign narrative.
Instead of relying solely on slogans, the APC can go into the 2027 elections with evidence of performance. With Yilwatda driving internal mobilization and Tinubu delivering national reforms, the party’s strategy is well-rounded and rooted in results, not rhetoric.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda’s appointment is a strategic affirmation of the APC’s readiness for the future. It is a move engineered by a president who understands timing, balance, and political engineering. More importantly, it reflects a party that is managing itself wisely—resolving internal disputes, expanding its base, and projecting a message of national inclusion.
As 2027 approaches, the APC stands as the only party with both the leadership maturity and strategic depth to govern and campaign simultaneously. With Tinubu as architect and Yilwatda as builder, the APC’s future is not just secure—it is being carefully constructed.
Indeed, for the APC, 2027 is not a gamble. It is the logical result of preparation, unity, and smart leadership.
Bolaji Olabode is a public affairs analyst and political commentator from Edunabon, Osun State.
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