APC National Convention: Oyebanji Committee screens Yilwatda

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC begin the screening of aspirants for positions in the National Working Committee, NWC of the party ahead of its national convention scheduled for next weekend on Tuesday with the screening of the party’s incumbent National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Yilwatda who has received endorsements of the leaders of the party to retain his position was screened by 42-member screening panel chaired by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja

However, members of the screening Committee what they described as the commendable leadership and seamless stewardship of the APC since the emergence of YilwTada as National Chairman of APC.

They consequently asked him to take a bow “take a bow”.

Yilwatda was appointed APC Chairman at the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Yilwatda in June 2025 in replacement of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

He was Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction before his appointment.

Yilwatda was APC Chairman in Plateay and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in the state.

He was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State. He is a distinguished academic and a passionate advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives.

He attended Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, before earning his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He later obtained a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

As a scholar, Prof. Yilwatda’s brilliance and dedication earned him a place at his alma mater. He served for over 26 years and became the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, leading transformative digital reforms.

His outstanding contributions earned him multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year.

Beyond academia, Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

His consultancy work spans multinational organisations and global development partners, including the European Union, UNICEF, World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. His merging of technology and governance expertise has made him a sought-after authority in digital innovation and policy development.

In 2017, he was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he championed reforms such as policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the integration of technology into Nigeria’s electoral system. In 2021, he stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State and serving as Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.