The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside Nigeria as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

1. Yilwatda’s vacation was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.

According to the statement, the APC chairman decided to take the break after what the party described as an “exceptionally demanding and eventful first year” in office.

Yilwatda To Rest, Re-strategise

The APC said the vacation would allow Yilwatda to rest, rejuvenate and reflect on the challenges ahead as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

The statement said he would use the period to “rest, retool and further sharpen his strategic thinking” ahead of what the party described as a defining electoral period for the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Yilwatda assumed leadership of the ruling party with the responsibility of strengthening its internal structures and improving its electoral competitiveness ahead of the next general elections.

APC Lists Achievements Under Yilwatda

The party said Yilwatda had, since taking over as national chairman, worked closely with the National Working Committee, governors, National Assembly members, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders across the country.

Among the achievements listed by the APC were the successful organisation of its National Convention, strengthening of internal party structures and the conduct of primary elections at various levels.

The party said these developments had further consolidated its position as “Nigeria’s leading political party and one of Africa’s largest and most formidable political organisations.”

‘Party Operations Will Continue’

The APC stressed that Yilwatda’s absence from the country would not affect the day-to-day running of the party.

“The National Chairman’s temporary absence from the country does not in any way affect the operations or functioning of the party, as the National Working Committee continues to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the party’s constitution and established procedures,” the statement said.

The party also insisted that the vacation should not be interpreted as Yilwatda disengaging from party affairs.

Retreat Planned Ahead Of 2027

According to the statement, Yilwatda will also use the break to reflect on the next phase of the APC’s development and put finishing touches to plans for an upcoming National Working Committee retreat.

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The retreat is expected to provide an opportunity for the NWC to review the party’s activities, identify emerging challenges and develop strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

It will also focus on improving coordination among members of the NWC and strengthening the party’s preparedness for what the APC described as a “demanding electoral season.”

Yilwatda Expected Back In Two Weeks

The APC described the chairman’s vacation as “timely and necessary,” citing the sustained political and organisational demands of his position since he assumed office.

“Leadership, especially at the level of a national political party, requires not only constant engagement but also periods of reflection, strategic assessment and renewal,” the party said.

Yilwatda is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-week vacation and resume his official engagements.

His trip comes as political parties and major political actors intensify their preparations and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC seeking to retain control of the Federal Government while expanding its influence across the states and National Assembly.