Yilwatda begins two-week vacation ahead of 2027 polls

The National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Photo: APC

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside Nigeria after what the party described as an exceptionally demanding first year of his tenure.

According to a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy on Wednesday, the vacation is intended to provide Yilwatda with an opportunity to rest, recharge and reflect on the responsibilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement said the APC chairman had spent the past year engaged in extensive party activities, including consultations, travels and strategic engagements aimed at strengthening and repositioning the ruling party.

Since assuming office, Yilwatda has worked with the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, members of the National Assembly, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement highlighted the successful organisation and conclusion of the APC National Convention, the strengthening of the party’s internal structures and the conduct of primary elections at various levels as some of the achievements recorded under his leadership.

“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 statement said.

The party stressed that Yilwatda’s vacation should not be interpreted as a disengagement from his responsibilities, describing it instead as “an opportunity to step back briefly from the intensity of day-to-day activities, recharge and reflect on the enormous responsibilities ahead.”

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According to the statement, the APC chairman will also use the period to sharpen his strategic thinking ahead of the 2027 elections, which it described as a defining moment for the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Yilwatda is also expected to use the break to reflect on the next phase of the party’s development and put finishing touches to plans for an upcoming National Working Committee retreat.

The retreat is expected to provide an opportunity for the NWC to review the party’s progress, identify emerging challenges and agree on strategies for the months ahead.

The statement added that the retreat would further strengthen coordination within the NWC and improve the party’s preparedness for the 2027 electoral season.

The APC said the chairman’s absence from the country would not affect the running of the party, as the NWC would continue to discharge its responsibilities in line with the party’s constitution and established procedures.

“The APC National Chairman remains fully committed to the party and its objectives,” the statement said.

Yilwatda is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-week vacation and resume his official engagements.