APC National Chairman Yilwatda Faces Backlash Over Failure to Resign Ministerial Role
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Controversy is mounting around Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, the newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his failure to step down as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction nearly two months after assuming the party leadership role.
Dr Yilwatda, who replaced Abdullahi Ganduje as APC Chairman on 24th July 2025, continues to hold both offices, despite constitutional and ethical concerns raised by legal experts, opposition voices, and civil society organisations.
Constitutional and Ethical Concerns
Legal luminaries have warned that Yilwatda’s dual roles violate provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the APC’s internal rules.
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) stressed that, by law, the APC currently has no valid national chairman until Yilwatda relinquishes his ministerial position.
“It is totally illegal under the constitution for a serving minister to accept a partisan role for any political party. A minister serves all Nigerians and cannot simultaneously lead a partisan organisation,” Adegboruwa told journalists.
Similarly, constitutional lawyer Chris Nwufo described the situation as a “clear case of conflict of interest and disregard for both the Nigerian constitution and APC’s internal regulations.”
Political Implications and Public Reactions
The controversy has sparked heated debate across political circles and online platforms. Analysts warn that the party risks undermining its credibility and facing potential legal challenges in future elections if the matter remains unresolved.
Political scientist Dr Ibrahim Musa from the University of Abuja noted:
“Leaving this unresolved could expose the APC to legal battles that may jeopardise its legitimacy when electoral disputes arise.”
On social media, critics accused the ruling party of “redefining lawlessness,” with many commenters citing previous controversies where APC leaders held multiple executive roles simultaneously, such as the 2020 case of Governor Mai Mala Buni serving as APC caretaker chairman while still in office as governor of Yobe State.
Presidency Yet to Respond
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the APC leadership has issued any official statement on Yilwatda’s resignation status. Government records reportedly still list him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, even as he presides over key APC activities, including strategies for the November off-cycle governorship elections.
Political observers say President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the matter is fuelling speculation about whether the administration intends to overlook the constitutional breach or address it in the coming days.
Call for Immediate Action
Adegboruwa has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise Yilwatda as APC National Chairman until he officially resigns as minister.
“The president must do the needful. The minister should account for all salaries and allowances he has been collecting while illegally holding both offices,” he added.
Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount as Nigerians await a clear response from both the Presidency and the ruling party on the controversy.
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