‎GROUPS CALL FOR NENTAWE YILWATDA TO BE CONSIDERED AS REPLACEMENT FOR SHETTIMA

‎GROUPS CALL FOR NENTAWE YILWATDA TO BE CONSIDERED AS REPLACEMENT FOR SHETTIMA

‎Some political groups and stakeholders have called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as a possible replacement for Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎The call comes amid growing speculations in the media over plans to adopt a Northern Christian as vice-presidential candidate to achieve a balanced Muslim–Christian ticket in the next election cycle. Other names reportedly being considered include Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

‎Speaking under the banner of concerned political stakeholders, the groups noted that governance in a complex and heterogeneous country like Nigeria requires experienced, loyal, and innovative leadership, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with insecurity, socio-economic challenges, stagflation, and the implementation of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‎They argued that while General Musa has shown commendable leadership in his role as Minister of Defence and recorded significant successes in the fight against insurgency, it would be counterproductive to redeploy him from that strategic position at this critical period.

‎According to the groups, Professor Yilwatda has demonstrated qualities that place him ahead of other contenders, particularly his loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu. They recalled that since joining the party in 2022, Yilwatda has consistently prioritised party success over personal ambition.

‎As Plateau State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign in 2023, he reportedly stood firm despite widespread opposition to the Muslim–Muslim ticket, enduring criticism, religious backlash, and personal attacks. Despite these challenges, he delivered a second-place finish for President Tinubu in Plateau State—an outcome many observers considered unlikely.

‎The groups further noted that after losing the Plateau governorship election, Yilwatda refrained from public grievances or demands for appointments, choosing instead to remain patient and loyal to the party leadership. They described this disposition as evidence of his capacity to remain steadfast during difficult periods.

‎Highlighting his track record as a reformer, the stakeholders described Yilwatda as a trailblazer who introduced innovative policies across different offices he has held. As a Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, he pioneered the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the voting process.

As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, he initiated nationwide skills-acquisition programmes and proposed sustainable resettlement plans for displaced persons. As APC National Chairman, he introduced electronic registration of party members, a first in the party’s history.

‎The groups also credited Yilwatda with revitalising the APC in Plateau State, facilitating defections from opposition parties, and strengthening the party’s grassroots presence. They pointed to the party’s improved electoral fortunes, including victories in 12 out of 16 constituencies during the August 2025 rerun elections, as well as significant growth in APC representation at the National Assembly and among state governors.

‎In addition, Yilwatda’s humanitarian and economic interventions were cited, including support for displaced persons, empowerment of women whose businesses were destroyed in Jos, youth entrepreneurship funding, agricultural support programmes, and healthcare initiatives such as free medical outreaches and payment of hospital bills for indigent patients.

‎The groups further commended his emphasis on maintenance culture and continuity in governance, noting his efforts to rehabilitate abandoned public infrastructure such as boreholes in Plateau State.

‎They concluded that Professor Yilwatda’s experience, loyalty, innovation, and people-centred leadership make him a strong candidate to effectively complement President Tinubu’s leadership if selected as vice-presidential candidate.

‎The groups added that more detailed reasons supporting Yilwatda’s consideration as the ideal vice-presidential candidate would be published soon by The Beacon Newspaper.

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