In a significant development within Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been officially elected as the new National Chairman. His election was ratified at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The decision comes following weeks of internal consultations, with Yilwatda emerging as the consensus candidate after the resignation of former Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Party insiders say the move is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC ahead of upcoming state and national elections, as well as to stabilize internal party structures.

Prof. Yilwatda, a former university lecturer and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, is well-regarded in both academic and political circles. He previously served as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections and is known for his technocratic approach to leadership. His emergence as chairman is seen by some analysts as a strategic attempt by the APC to blend intellectual credibility with grassroots political experience.

Addressing the NEC and other stakeholders shortly after his election, Prof. Yilwatda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to promote unity, discipline, and inclusivity within the party, stating that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” He also emphasized the importance of returning the party to its founding ideals and promised to foster open dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved party members.

The NEC meeting, which brought together top-ranking members including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, national assembly members, and other party leaders, also featured deliberations on policy direction, party reforms, and electoral strategies.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, congratulated the new chairman and called for loyalty to the party’s mission of delivering good governance to Nigerians. He stressed the need for organizational discipline, urging members to support the new leadership in building a stronger and more cohesive APC.

As Prof. Yilwatda assumes leadership, expectations are high that he will help steer the APC through the evolving political landscape, mend internal rifts, and strengthen the party’s hold ahead of future elections.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have ruled out former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting under its platform in the 2027 general election, based on a key provision in its constitution.

According to Article 8 of the party’s Third Schedule on Primary Election Guidelines, all presidential aspirants must not be affiliated with any other political party at the time of their declaration.

This clause could serve as a major roadblock for Obi, who is still officially a member of the Labour Party. His media aide, Mr. Tanko Yunusa, confirmed the development, stating:
“That will be made public if he decides to do that. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party.”

With Obi’s eligibility in question, political observers say the stage may now be set for figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge as strong contenders should they seek the ADC presidential ticket.

This development adds a new twist to the build-up toward the 2027 elections, as opposition alliances and party crossovers continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, cautioning him against visiting the state without prior notification and approval from the state government.

The governor’s remarks, captured in a video that has gone viral on social media, underscore a growing trend of opposition-led state governments expressing concern over visits by Obi—particularly those deemed humanitarian in nature.

“There’s a new sheriff in town,” Governor Okpebholo stated during an address to his supporters. “Peter Obi cannot enter Edo State without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed if he does. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. This is not a joke.”

Okpebholo further criticized Obi over a previous visit to the state in which he reportedly donated N15 million. The governor questioned the consistency of Obi’s public image with his financial gestures, referencing Obi’s oft-repeated claim of living a frugal lifestyle.

“He says he has no ‘shishi’ [money], yet he came here and gave out N15 million. Where did that money come from?” the governor queried. “After that visit, there was unrest in Benin, and unfortunately, three lives were lost. This is why I am insisting that any future visit must be formally communicated to my office.”

This warning follows a similar incident in April 2025, when Obi was allegedly advised against visiting an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Benue State. That visit was part of his humanitarian outreach to communities affected by violence linked to herdsmen.

Governor Okpebholo’s comments have sparked public debate, raising questions about the intersection of politics, security, and humanitarian engagement in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.