*Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside Nigeria following what the party described as an exceptionally demanding and eventful first year of his tenure.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the vacation is intended to provide the APC chairman with an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and reflect on the responsibilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement said Yilwatda’s decision to take the break came after months of intensive party engagements, consultations, travels and strategic activities aimed at repositioning and strengthening the ruling party.
Since assuming office, Yilwatda has worked with the National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, members of the National Assembly, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders to strengthen the APC and enhance its electoral competitiveness.
The party said that under his leadership, the APC successfully organised and concluded its National Convention, strengthened its internal structures and conducted primary elections at various levels ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“These achievements, coming within a relatively short period, have further consolidated the APC’s position as Nigeria’s leading political party and one of Africa’s largest and most formidable political organisations,” the statement said.
It stressed that the vacation should not be interpreted as a disengagement from party affairs, noting that it would enable the national chairman to step back from the demands of his daily responsibilities, recharge and reflect on the next phase of the party’s development.
Yilwatda is also expected to use the period to sharpen his strategic thinking ahead of the 2027 elections, which the party considers critical to the future of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement further disclosed that the APC chairman would use the period to put finishing touches to plans for an upcoming National Working Committee Retreat.
The retreat is expected to provide an opportunity for members of the NWC to review the party’s performance, identify emerging challenges and formulate strategies for the months leading to the 2027 elections.
According to the statement, the retreat will also focus on improving coordination within the NWC and strengthening the party’s preparedness for the forthcoming electoral season.
The APC said Yilwatda’s temporary absence from Nigeria would not affect the operations of the party, as the NWC would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the party’s constitution and established procedures.
“Leadership, especially at the level of a national political party, requires not only constant engagement but also periods of reflection, strategic assessment and renewal,” the statement added.
Yilwatda is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-week vacation and resume his official engagements with what the party described as renewed energy and focus.