APC Chairman Yilwatda Yet to Step Down as Tinubu’s Minister, Clings to Dual Role

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda continues to hold two positions simultaneously, serving as both the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Yilwatda, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was appointed APC chairman on July 24, 2025.

He replaced Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on health grounds.

Unlike standard practice, ministers who take on partisan leadership roles usually resign from their cabinet posts, but Yilwatda has yet to do so.

Party sources revealed that while several key stakeholders are lobbying for a replacement at the ministry, Yilwatda seems determined to combine both responsibilities. Additionally, President Bola Tinubu has not named a successor for the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry since Yilwatda was appointed APC chairman.

Meanwhile, legal experts warn that Yilwatda’s dual role violates the principle of separation between party administration and public office.

“APC is playing a dangerous game,” Daily Independent quoted a political scien­tist at the University of Abuja. “Leaving this unresolved could expose the party to fresh legal battles that may jeopardise its standing in court when electoral outcomes are challenged.”

Sections 147 and 192 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) require ministers to serve the federation, not partisan interests, while Section 1 of the APC constitution prohibits officeholders from occupying overlapping executive roles that could create conflicts of interest.

The development is reminiscent of a past incident.

In 2020, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State served as APC Caretaker Committee Chairman while still holding office as governor.

It is understood that neither the presidency nor the APC leadership has addressed Yilwatda’s ministerial status. Official records continue to list him as minister, even as he presides as the APC helmsman.