The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has publicly declared that he is learning the art and craft of political leadership from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as “one of the best politicians you can learn from.” The remarks came on Saturday during a traditional title conferment in Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Professor Yilwatda was bestowed with the traditional title of “Kaeh-rit” meaning “the good seed of Ampang East” in a ceremony attended by party stalwarts and local dignitaries. The honour reflects recognition of his leadership within the community and his political standing.
In an address that underscored both reverence and political alignment, Yilwatda credited President Tinubu with shaping his approach to political strategy and governance.
“I’m learning from the best leader, Asiwaju Tinubu. Mr President is one of the best politicians you can learn from, and since adopting me as his son, I’ve learned so much from him,” the APC chairman said.
“He is teaching me, and so I’m learning. If you see me succeeding, it’s because I’m learning from the very best politician ever produced in Nigeria.”
His declaration reflects a broader trend within the APC leadership of aligning closely with the president’s political philosophy and strategic direction. APC leaders have in recent months repeatedly emphasised unity within the party and shared commitment to Tinubu’s governance agenda.
Yilwatda’s remarks came as part of an inclusive narrative he sought to project about the APC’s internal cohesion. He stressed that the party welcomes members old and new, underscoring the APC’s stance against elitism or exclusive political ownership.
“The person that comes into the APC today has equal rights with someone who has been there for a thousand years, because we do not differentiate among our members,” he said.
“Some people claim that when you go to a party, they will say they are the original owners because they have been there for many years. We don’t have that in APC.”
Commenting on political dynamics in Plateau, Yilwatda also welcomed the recent defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the APC, saying it would foster greater alignment between governmental and party structures, ultimately benefiting residents of the state.
Beyond political discourse, the APC chairman used the event to underscore his commitment to local development. He donated ₦10 million, along with seedlings and farm inputs, to farmers across Kanke Local Government Area. According to him, this initiative aligns with federal efforts aimed at enhancing food production and combating poverty, priorities touted by the Tinubu administration.
The title of “Kaeh-rit” marks the second traditional honour Yilwatda has received in recent weeks, with the Tiv Nation in Benue State having earlier recognised his contributions to humanitarian and community work. These accolades further elevate his profile both within the party and across regional political circles.
As the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, comments like Yilwatda’s signal a deepening of internal party solidarity around President Tinubu’s leadership, a stance likely designed to project unity while reinforcing the party’s governing narrative.
