The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has left Nigeria for a two-week vacation as political activities are intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News reports that this was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy.
According to the party, Yilwatda’s foreign trip followed what it described as an exceptionally demanding first year in office, during which he undertook extensive consultations, travels and strategic engagements aimed at strengthening the ruling party.
The vacation, the APC said, would enable the national chairman to rest, recharge and reflect on the responsibilities confronting the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
Since assuming leadership of the APC, Yilwatda has worked with the National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, members of the National Assembly, state party executives, elected officials and other stakeholders on efforts to consolidate the party’s structures.
The party listed the successful conduct of its National Convention, strengthening of internal party structures and the organisation of primary elections at various levels among the milestones recorded under his leadership.
It said the developments had further consolidated the APC’s position as Nigeria’s leading political party and one of Africa’s largest political organisations.
The APC, however, stressed that Yilwatda’s absence from the country should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from his official responsibilities.
Rather, the party described the break as an opportunity for the chairman to temporarily step away from the intensity of his daily engagements, regain energy and reflect on the strategic demands ahead.
The party said Yilwatda would also use the period to sharpen his strategic thinking and review the next phase of the APC’s development, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
The elections are expected to be particularly significant for the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with the party seeking to retain power at the federal level and consolidate its position across the states.
Yilwatda is also expected to put finishing touches to preparations for an upcoming retreat of the NWC upon his return.
The retreat will provide an avenue for the party’s leadership to assess its progress, examine emerging challenges and develop strategies for the months leading to the 2027 electoral season.
APC said the chairman’s temporary absence would not affect the administration of the party, noting that the NWC would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and oversee the party’s affairs.
“The APC National Chairman remains fully committed to the party and its objectives,” the statement said.
Yilwatda is expected back in Nigeria after two weeks to resume his official engagements.
His vacation comes shortly after President Tinubu also departed Abuja for a three-week annual leave in Europe.
Tinubu’s first destination was London, United Kingdom, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President’s trip also comes against the backdrop of increased political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politics Nigeria recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and candidates to commence campaigns, rallies and other public engagements ahead of the January 16, 2027 elections.
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