Nentawe Yilwatda consolidates grip: 48-hour ultimatum to state chairmen?
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has weathered a turbulent end to 2025 and emerged stronger, with party heavyweights and support groups rallying behind him ahead of the March 27 national convention. While no official 48-hour directive to state chairmen has been confirmed, sources inside the party secretariat suggest that Yilwatda has demanded full loyalty and alignment with his "Renewed Unity" project, warning that any state chairman working against the party's interest could face immediate dissolution.
Key events in Yilwatda's consolidation
October 2025: The two‑week ultimatum that backfired
The All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Network, led by Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, gave Yilwatda a 14‑day ultimatum to resign, accusing him of failing leadership tests across all parameters and presiding over a party losing popularity, which they claimed could jeopardise President Tinubu's 2027 re‑election.
However, the ultimatum was swiftly countered by multiple party factions. The APC League of Professionals labelled the youth group "sponsored goons working for the opposition." The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum went further, alleging that the leader of APC-YSN is not an APC member but an opposition figure from Auchi who had previously been sanctioned in PDP circles. The ultimatum collapsed, and Yilwatda's position within the party was reinforced.
🏛️ Consolidation through endorsements and defections
Rather than weakening him, the 2025 challenge galvanised support. In March 2026, the Prince Simon Ali Support Organisation purchased Yilwatda's N10 million nomination form for the chairmanship position, citing his capacity to "move the party forward and lead it into the upcoming election so that victory will be guaranteed."
Major defection win: Senator Philip Aduda joins APC
On March 17, 2026, former PDP Senator Philip Aduda, who represented the Federal Capital Territory, defected to the APC and paid a solidarity visit to Yilwatda at the national secretariat. Aduda stated he joined "to ensure President Tinubu's victory in 2027." Yilwatda welcomed him, declaring that "all progressives in Nigeria are aligning and identifying with the party because of the progressive nature of APC and the programmes of Mr President."
Boost for chairman's influence🗳️ "Move Forward with Nentawe" – campaign for convention
A support group, Move Forward with Nentawe Advocates, has been actively campaigning for his renomination at the March 27 convention. The group's convener, Ezenwa Onyirimba, described Yilwatda as "a seasoned developer, visionary leader, and tested technocrat" whose leadership will "further strengthen the party and sustain its progressive ideals." The group has embarked on nationwide stakeholder engagements to mobilise delegates.
Yilwatda's call for unity and discipline
On March 16, 2026, Yilwatda took to his official social media handle to emphasise party unity, integrity, and youth empowerment. He stated that guiding the party is "a responsibility to serve with integrity, humility, and a clear commitment to progress," and that "a cohesive political organisation is essential for national stability." While he did not issue any public 48‑hour ultimatum to state chairmen, party insiders say he has privately insisted on total alignment with the national leadership ahead of the convention.
As the APC approaches its March 27 national convention, Yilwatda appears firmly in control. The two‑week ultimatum of 2025 failed, and he now enjoys the backing of key support groups, a favourable zoning retention, and a steady stream of high‑profile defectors. Whether he issues any formal deadline to state chairmen remains unconfirmed, but his grip on the party machinery is visibly tighter than when he assumed office.
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