Residents of Jos trooped out in large numbers on Thursday to celebrate the emergence of Hon. Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking widespread jubilation across the city.
Supporters, party loyalists, and well-wishers gathered with music, traditional dances, and banners bearing Yilwatda’s name, describing his victory as both historic and well-deserved for Plateau State.
Many hailed his emergence as a renewed beacon of hope for the Middle Belt region, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote national unity and broaden political inclusion across the country.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Shittu Bamaiyi, former Public Relations Officer of the APC in Plateau State, described the appointment as a major milestone for the party and the state.
“First of all, on behalf of the Plateau State chapter of the APC, we sincerely express our appreciation to Mr. President for deeming it fit to pick one of our own, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction,
“To us, this is not only a great honor to Professor Yilwatda, but also a clear recognition of the people of Plateau State. We feel acknowledged and appreciated, and we are grateful to the President for this opportunity to showcase the leadership strength of our state.”Bamaiyi said.
He noted that Yilwatda’s appointment signals a significant political shift for Plateau.
“Having one of our own as the number one party member is a big plus. It’s a major recognition, and we will definitely reciprocate with massive support for the President and the APC,” he added.
Bamaiyi emphasized that Yilwatda’s rise did not come as a surprise, citing his track record and leadership qualities.
“We are very proud of him. He has the integrity, the character, and the capacity required for the role. His appointment just nine months ago as Minister and the work he has done since then speak volumes,” he said.
According to him, these qualities likely influenced the confidence reposed in Yilwatda by the President, members of the National Assembly, the Governors’ Forum, and the National Executive Council.Also reacting, Mr. Nanbal Timothy, a respected community member from Fudawa, expressed deep satisfaction with the development.
“This is one of the best things to have happened to Plateau in recent political history. We are overjoyed, and we see this as a long-overdue recognition of the competence and capacity that the state has to offer,” Timothy said.
He added that the people of Fudawa and surrounding communities are solidly behind Yilwatda and hopeful that his tenure will bring about meaningful development and stronger representation for the region.
Residents expressed optimism that Yilwatda’s leadership will open new political and developmental opportunities for Plateau State and the entire Middle Belt region.
