The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has criticized National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. They stated he has failed to show expected leadership qualities.

Forum Chairman Saleh Zazzaga issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He expressed the group’s regret. They had championed bringing the party’s national chairmanship to their North-Central zone.

The forum further alleged that Yilwatda is blocking Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Mutfwang, they claim, wants to join the APC.

Zazzaga accused Yilwatda of promoting a religious agenda. He also prioritizes personal political interests in Plateau State, the chairman added.

Divisive Remarks Trigger Forum’s Outcry

This statement followed a circulating video. In the video, Yilwatda spoke in a church. He claimed to represent North-Central Christians. The Forum called this remark divisive. It also goes against the APC’s core values.

“We, the North-Central APC Forum, regret our agitation. We pushed for the APC national chairman position to return to our region,” the group stated. “We apologize to Mr. President. Our apologies also go to former National Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje. We extend them to other party leaders as well.”

The forum cited Yilwatda’s inability to unite the region. They also mentioned his ineffective management of party affairs. These were key sources of their disappointment.

“He has shown he is not competent,” the statement added. “He cannot unite the people of the North-Central.”

Call for New Leadership and 2027 Ambitions

The group further argued Yilwatda lacks political exposure. He has never been elected, not even as a delegate or councillor. They alleged his leadership deepened political divisions. This affected Plateau State and the wider North-Central zone.

The Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to act. They urged him to appoint a more competent national chairman. This appointment could come from any region. It should happen at the APC’s December 2025 national convention. The chairmanship, they stressed, does not need to stay in the North-Central.

Despite this, the group reaffirmed its commitment. They will deliver six million votes from the North-Central for President Tinubu in 2027. They cited high-level appointments from the zone. These include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The Attorney-General of the Federation is also from the zone. These, they believe, offer sufficient political representation.

The forum stated that Yilwatda frustrates efforts. These efforts aim to attract Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang. They want him to defect from the PDP to the APC.

They alleged Yilwatda is blocking the governor’s defection. Yilwatda lost the 2023 governorship election to Mutfwang. He plans to run again in 2027. This is his motive, the forum claims.

The group described the APC chairman as self-serving. They urged him to resign. He should instead focus on his governorship ambition. The forum also accused him of attempting to invalidate their certificate of recognition. This certificate was issued in 2018.

“A true leader would not block people,” the forum stated. “They should be allowed to strengthen the party.”