Prof. Yilwatda Takes Break to Strategize for APC's 2027 Campaign

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level, has embarked on a two-week overseas leave. This comes after what the party termed an intensely busy first year in his leadership role. A press release issued on Wednesday by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, clarified that the purpose of Yilwatda's break is to allow him to recuperate, re-energize, and contemplate the significant duties approaching with the 2027 general elections.

The statement further detailed that the APC leader dedicated his initial year to a wide array of party engagements, encompassing numerous consultations, extensive travel, and critical strategic meetings, all geared towards bolstering and realigning the governing party. Since taking up his position, Yilwatda has collaborated closely with the National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, National Assembly members, various state party organs, elected officials, and other key figures to fortify the party's stance in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

Among the accomplishments listed under his stewardship were the effective planning and execution of the APC National Convention, the reinforcement of the party's internal frameworks, and the seamless conduct of primary elections across different tiers. The release affirmed, “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 party was keen to emphasize that Professor Yilwatda's absence should not be misconstrued as an abandonment of his duties. Rather, it was characterized as “an opportunity to step back briefly from the intensity of day-to-day activities, recharge and reflect on the enormous responsibilities ahead.”

In related political developments, the PDP reportedly disowned a gubernatorial election petition for Osun 2026 and called for an investigation. Governor Ododo, meanwhile, inaugurated an APC peace and conflict resolution committee. Separately, Adebayo made a pledge regarding solar power on every Nigerian roof within 11 months, looking towards 2027.

The statement further revealed that the APC chairman intends to utilize this period to refine his strategic approach for the 2027 elections, an event deemed crucial for both the party's future and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda. Furthermore, Yilwatda is anticipated to dedicate his time off to considering the subsequent stages of the party's growth and finalizing preparations for a forthcoming National Working Committee (NWC) retreat.

This planned retreat aims to offer the NWC a platform to assess the party's advancements, pinpoint new obstacles, and collectively decide on future strategies. The release noted that the retreat would also serve to enhance internal coordination within the NWC and boost the party's readiness for the 2027 election cycle.

The APC assured the public that the chairman's temporary absence from the nation would not disrupt the party's operations, as the NWC is fully capable of continuing its duties in accordance with the party's constitution and standard protocols. The statement concluded by asserting, “The APC National Chairman remains fully committed to the party and its objectives.” Professor Yilwatda is scheduled to return to Nigeria upon the conclusion of his two-week leave to resume his official duties.