Tinubu’s Strategic Maneuver: Balancing Ethno-Religious Dynamics in Appointing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as APC Acting National Chairman
By Oliver Okeke [Don Olive]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political acumen was on full display in a move that caught many within the All Progressives Congress (APC) off guard. Like a bolt from the blue, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the anointed replacement for the outgoing APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped aside amid internal party dynamics. Before Yilwatda’s emergence, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, a prominent figure from Nasarawa State in the North Central region, appeared to be the frontrunner for the position. Al-Makura’s verifiable achievements as a former governor and his strong regional support base had positioned him as the leading candidate, with favorable opinion polls and little visible opposition. However, Tinubu’s strategic intervention disrupted this trajectory, showcasing his mastery of political chess.
In a surprising move, Tinubu convened a meeting with APC governors on the eve of the announcement, revealing his preference for Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the Acting National Chairman. The governors, caught off-guard but aligned with Tinubu’s leadership, raised no objections, paving the way for the National Working Committee (NWC) to formally endorse Yilwatda the following day. This swift and decisive action left Al-Makura’s supporters stunned, as their candidate’s momentum was abruptly halted.
The announcement sent ripples through the party, particularly among Al-Makura’s ardent supporters, who had viewed his ascension as nearly assured. However, as the dust settled, the rationale behind Tinubu’s choice became clearer, revealing a calculated move to address deeper political and ethno-religious considerations within the APC and the broader Nigerian political landscape.
Tinubu, a master strategist, carefully assessed the political dynamics at play. His decision to appoint Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a Christian from Plateau State, over Al-Makura, a Muslim from Nasarawa State, was not a reflection of any shortcomings on Al-Makura’s part. Rather, it was a deliberate effort to balance the ethno-religious equation within the APC, a party that has often navigated the complex interplay of Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic identities. By choosing Yilwatda, Tinubu sought to stem the tide of potential criticism and ensure inclusivity, particularly in the North Central region, where religious and ethnic sensitivities are significant factors in political calculations.
Detailed Analysis of Tinubu’s Choice of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
Several factors underscore Tinubu’s decision to appoint Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the Acting National Chairman of the APC, each reflecting his intent to consolidate power, foster party unity, and address Nigeria’s complex socio-political dynamics:
Ethno-Religious Balancing: Nigeria’s political landscape is deeply influenced by the need to balance representation across ethnic and religious lines. The APC, as a national party, has faced scrutiny over perceived imbalances in its leadership structure. With the outgoing chairman, Ganduje, and other prominent party figures hailing from Muslim-majority regions, Tinubu likely saw the appointment of a Christian from Plateau State as a strategic move to broaden the party’s appeal and counter accusations of religious bias. Yilwatda’s Christian background complements the party’s need to project inclusivity, particularly in the North Central region, where Christian and Muslim communities coexist in a delicate balance.
Regional Representation and North Central Dynamics: The North Central zone has been a critical battleground for the APC, both in terms of electoral support and internal party politics. Al-Makura, a well-known figure from Nasarawa, had strong regional backing, but his Muslim identity could have been perceived as reinforcing a particular demographic dominance within the party’s leadership. By selecting Yilwatda, Tinubu ensured that the North Central region retained the chairmanship while introducing a fresh face from Plateau State, a region with its political weight and history of marginalization. This move not only maintained regional loyalty but also diversified the party’s representation within the zone.
Neutralizing Internal Opposition: Tinubu’s choice of Yilwatda, a relatively less contentious figure compared to Al-Makura, may have been designed to minimize internal party friction. Al-Makura’s prominence and established political network could have made him a polarizing figure, potentially challenging Tinubu’s influence within the party. Yilwatda, a respected academic and technocrat with a less entrenched political machine, represents a safer choice, allowing Tinubu to maintain control over the party’s direction while avoiding the emergence of a rival power base.
Strategic Timing and Surprise: The timing of Tinubu’s announcement, made at the eleventh hour with the governors’ endorsement secured swiftly, underscores his ability to control the narrative and outmaneuver potential opposition. By presenting Yilwatda as a fait accompli, Tinubu limited the opportunity for Al-Makura’s supporters to mobilize or mount a counter-campaign. This calculated move ensured that the decision was perceived as a unified party stance, reducing the likelihood of dissent.
Yilwatda’s Profile and Appeal: Professor Nentawe Yilwatda brings a unique blend of academic credentials, technocratic experience, and political involvement to the table. As a former Resident Electoral Commissioner and a respected figure in Plateau State, Yilwatda has a reputation for competence and integrity. His background as a technocrat aligns with Tinubu’s broader vision of projecting the APC as a party of progressive and capable leaders, capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges. Additionally, Yilwatda’s relative neutrality in the party’s factional struggles makes him an ideal candidate to unify disparate groups within the APC.
Long-Term Political Strategy: Tinubu’s decision also reflects his focus on the 2027 electoral cycle. By appointing a Christian from the North Central region, Tinubu strengthens the APC’s appeal in a region that could play a pivotal role in future elections. This move also signals to the Christian community in the North that the APC is committed to inclusivity, potentially countering opposition narratives that have accused the party of favoring one religious group over another.
In the aftermath of Yilwatda’s appointment, APC members and stakeholders began to align with Tinubu’s vision, recognizing the strategic foresight behind his decision. The initial shock among Al-Makura’s supporters gave way to an understanding of the broader political imperatives at play. Tinubu’s ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining party cohesion underscores his reputation as a political maestro, capable of balancing competing interests to achieve long-term objectives.
In conclusion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the Acting National Chairman of the APC was a masterstroke of political strategy. By prioritizing ethno-religious balance, regional representation, and party unity, Tinubu not only outmaneuvered Al-Makura’s ambitions but also positioned the APC for greater inclusivity and electoral success. This decision, while surprising to many, reflects Tinubu’s keen understanding of Nigeria’s political dynamics and his ability to play the long game in consolidating his influence within the party and beyond.
Oliver Okeke [Don Olive]
