APC chair Yilwatda begins 2-week vacation, plans strategy for polls

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside the country, during which he is expected to rest and fine-tune the ruling party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The break follows months of party engagements, consultations, travels and other activities as the APC intensifies preparations for the elections and seeks to consolidate its structures across the country.

During the vacation, Yilwatda is also expected to put finishing touches to plans for a forthcoming retreat of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), where the leadership will review its activities, assess emerging challenges and map out strategies for the electoral season.

A statement announcing the vacation said the APC chairman would use the period to “rest, retool and further sharpen his strategic thinking” ahead of the elections, described as a defining moment for the party and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

It said Yilwatda had been involved in sustained consultations and engagements with the NWC, governors, members of the National Assembly, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders since assuming leadership of the ruling party.

The statement listed the organisation of the party’s National Convention, strengthening of internal structures and conduct of primary elections at various levels among the major activities undertaken under his leadership in preparation for 2027.

According to the party, the planned NWC retreat will provide an opportunity for members of the committee to assess the APC’s journey so far, identify challenges and agree on strategies for the months ahead.

It added that the retreat was expected to improve coordination within the party’s national leadership and strengthen its preparedness for the elections.

The APC dismissed suggestions that Yilwatda’s vacation amounted to disengagement from party affairs, saying it was intended to give him an opportunity to step away briefly from day-to-day activities, recharge and undertake strategic reflection.

It maintained that the chairman remained committed to the party and President Tinubu’s political agenda.

The party also assured members that Yilwatda’s temporary absence from the country would not disrupt its operations, saying the NWC would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the APC constitution and established procedures.

Yilwatda is expected to return to Nigeria at the expiration of the two-week vacation and resume party engagements as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.