APC National Chairman begins two-week vacation ahead of 2027 polls

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has begun a two-week vacation abroad, described by the party as a “well-deserved period of rest and personal rejuvenation” after an intense first year in office.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the party said the break follows months of “intense party engagements, consultations, travels and strategic activities” aimed at repositioning the ruling party.

“Since assuming office, Professor Yilwatda has devoted himself to the task of building a stronger, more cohesive and electorally competitive party,” the statement read, noting his close work with the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, lawmakers and state structures.

The APC credited Yilwatda’s leadership with delivering key organisational milestones, including concluding the party’s National Convention, strengthening internal structures and running primary elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections. According to the party, these moves have “further consolidated the APC’s position as Nigeria’s leading political party and one of Africa’s largest and most formidable political organisations.”

“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 said.

Yilwatda is expected to use the time to “rest, retool and further sharpen his strategic thinking ahead of the 2027 general elections,” which the APC views as a defining test for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The chairman is also set to finalise plans for an upcoming NWC retreat intended to review progress, identify emerging challenges and align strategies for the months ahead.

The party insisted his temporary absence “does not in any way affect the operations or functioning of the party,” as the NWC continues to operate under the APC constitution.

Yilwatda is expected to return to Nigeria in two weeks to resume duties “with renewed energy and focus.”