Governor Oborevwori, Senator Nwoko, Other Delta Stakeholders attend APC 14th NEC Meeting as Party Ratifies Yilwatda as Acting National Chairman
The All Progressives Congress (APC) convened its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, on Thursday, bringing together key stakeholders as the party recalibrates ahead of critical electoral milestones.
Among those representing Delta State was Senator Ned Nwoko, the distinguished lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
He was one of the 21 senators accredited to participate in the party’s 14th NEC meeting. Also in attendance from Delta State were Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, APC State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie, and party stalwart Stella Okotete.
The attendance of Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, alongside APC heavyweights from Delta, underscored his increasing visibility in national political discourse.
His presence was viewed as a statement of inclusive national engagement and a recognition of Delta’s growing stature within the country’s evolving political architecture.
During the meeting, the NEC formally ratified the appointment of Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as Acting National Chairman of the APC.
In a swift reaction, Senator Ned Nwoko congratulated Professor Yilwatda, describing his appointment as timely and strategic.
“Professor Yilwatda’s emergence reflects the party’s confidence in intellect, experience, and visionary leadership,” Senator Nwoko stated. “I have no doubt that under his guidance, the APC will consolidate its gains and chart a stronger path forward for the nation.
“I also commend President Bola Tinubu for his continued demonstration of maturity, inclusivity, and resolve in steering the party and the country toward progress.”
Delta State’s robust presence at the NEC gathering reinforces its position as an emerging power bloc in Nigeria’s political landscape.
With leaders like Senator Nwoko playing an increasingly central role in national affairs, political analysts predict a more assertive Delta voice in shaping future policies and governance priorities.
The NEC meeting, which marks a critical point in the APC’s internal review and planning calendar, focused on strengthening party structures ahead of the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election and other scheduled bye-elections.
The National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, who presented the directorate’s report, described it as a “comprehensive compendium” that will guide party decisions going forward.
A major development at the NEC meeting was the announcement of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as the new National Chairman of the APC.
He was nominated by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma. The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and subsequently ratified through a voice vote by NEC members present.
With political activities gradually picking up ahead of 2027, observers say the presence of serving lawmakers at the NEC meeting, many of whom are expected to return to the ballot, signals internal consolidation and reinforces confidence that the party is building around tested forces for the battles ahead.
The 21 senators accredited for the NEC meeting include Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Mungono, Deputy Majority Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, Deputy Chief Whip Nwebonyi Onyeka, Mustapha Salihu, Sani Bello Abubakar, Ibrahim Bomai, Jim Kuta, Aliyu Wamako, Abdul’aziz Yar’adua, Ned Munir Nwoko, Patrick Ndubueze Chuwuba, Kenneth Eze, Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba Adams Oshiomhole, Abdulfatai Buhari, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, and Etang Williams Jonah.