The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention Committee, former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, has officially presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected party executives and the party’s governorship candidate for Plateau State, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda. The presentation, which took place at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marked the “Formal Validation” of the party’s new National Working Committee (NWC) following the successful conclusion of the 2026 National Convention. This development is seen as a major step toward “Intra-Party Reconciliation” and a strategic move to solidify the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the ceremony, former Governor Aminu Masari urged the new leadership to prioritize “Party Unity” and to reach out to disgruntled members who may have been aggrieved by the outcomes of the convention. He emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the “Most Viable Platform” for national development and must maintain its discipline to continue delivering on the “Renewed Hope” agenda. Masari lauded the emergence of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as the candidate for the upcoming Plateau State governorship contest, describing him as a “Bridge-Builder” with the technical capacity to restore peace and prosperity to the state. The former Governor noted that the “Transparency of the Process” has strengthened the party’s internal democracy.
The newly inaugurated National Chairman of the party, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), expressed their commitment to an “Inclusive Leadership Style.” Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, while receiving his certificate, thanked the party leadership and the Plateau State APC stakeholders for their “Vote of Confidence.” He promised to run a “Issue-Based Campaign” focused on security, agricultural revitalization, and youth employment. The event was attended by high-ranking party figures, including the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) leadership, signaling a “Unified Front” as the party prepares for the off-cycle elections and the broader national contest.
Political analysts observe that the presentation of the Certificates of Return is a “Critical Milestone” in the APC’s transition to a post-convention phase. Experts suggest that the “Masari-Led Process” has successfully avoided the major litigations that often follow party conventions, providing the new NWC with a “Stable Foundation” to operate. Analysts argue that for the party to maintain its dominance, the new leadership must focus on “Conflict Resolution” in states like Plateau, where the political landscape remains highly competitive. They suggest that the “Yilwatda Candidacy” is a tactical attempt to appeal to the “Technocratic Class” and the youth demographic in the North-Central zone.
The broader implications of this ceremony reflect the All Progressives Congress (APC) strategy of “Institutional Consolidation.” By formalizing the leadership early in the election cycle, the party is positioning itself to be more “Proactive than Reactive” to opposition moves. The certificates serve as a “Legal Seal” on the transition of power within the party’s highest organ. As the new National Working Committee (NWC) takes charge, the focus remains on the “2027 Road Map” and the party’s ability to sustain its “Grassroots Appeal.” For the party faithful, the ceremony is a sign of “Renewed Momentum,” marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in the quest to retain power at the federal and state levels.
