The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has expressed regret over its earlier push for a national chairman from the North-Central region. The group’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, stated that the current chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has failed to demonstrate the capacity to lead the party. Yilwatda, who was appointed in July 2025, has been accused of promoting a religious agenda and using his office to advance his personal interests in Plateau State.
The North-Central APC Forum had campaigned for the return of the national chairmanship position to the region after the resignation of former chairman Adamu Abdullahi in 2023. The position was initially zoned to the North-Central at the party’s convention in 2022. However, the forum now apologizes for its actions, stating that Yilwatda’s performance has been disappointing.
The forum cited a video clip where Yilwatda claimed to represent North-Central Christians, which they deemed contrary to party and national principles. They also criticized Yilwatda’s lack of political experience, having never been elected to any position. The forum urged President Tinubu to appoint a more competent person as national chairman in December 2025, regardless of zone.
The North-Central APC Forum assured that its apology would not affect its commitment to delivering six million votes to President Tinubu in 2027. They noted that the region has sufficient positions, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Attorney-General of the Federation, to sustain the party’s presence.
Additionally, the forum accused Yilwatda of opposing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s potential defection to the APC due to his own gubernatorial ambitions in 2027. They called on Yilwatda to resign as national chairman and focus on his election bid. The forum also alleged that Yilwatda was using his position to discredit their certificate as a party support group, which has been in place since 2018.
The developments highlight the ongoing power dynamics within the APC, with the North-Central region playing a crucial role in the party’s national politics. As the party prepares for its national convention in December, the forum’s apology and criticisms of Yilwatda’s leadership may have significant implications for the party’s future direction.
