The recent appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived not as a quiet political formality, but as a thunderclap of surprise—stirring waves of curiosity, admiration, and cautious optimism across the country. In a nation where leadership changes often provoke skepticism or silence, this one inspired celebration. For once, a significant swath of Nigerians found themselves nodding in agreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision, seeing in it a rare glimpse of strategic brilliance rather than political maneuvering. There was applause not just for the man chosen, but for the message his appointment seemed to send.
At just 57, Professor Nentawe defies the template of the recycled political elite. A technocrat, academic, and ICT expert, his background stands out against the grain of Nigeria’s usual leadership picks. His reputation for integrity—untarnished by scandal or corruption—only heightened the appeal. It felt like a break from tradition, a departure from the well-worn path of power-sharing among familiar faces. His roots in Plateau State, a region not typically known for producing national party leaders, added further significance. His Christian faith, too, subtly countered the rhetoric of religious and regional exclusion in a climate often clouded by accusations of marginalisation.
Yet, just as the celebration began to take flight, another conversation emerged—shifting the mood from excitement to contemplation. Some Nigerians began to wonder if Professor Nentawe’s skills and experience, especially as an ICT expert and former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, might have been better suited to the role of INEC Chairman. The whispers grew louder: shouldn’t someone with his profile be preparing to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu?
But the counterargument came just as swiftly. Advocates of a Nentawe-led INEC seemed to overlook his deep partisan affiliations. He is not just a member of the APC—he was a former gubernatorial candidate and, until recently, a federal minister. How could such a figure be expected to referee national elections with the detachment and neutrality the role demands? Ironically, those proposing his name for INEC would likely be the first to cry foul at the perception of bias. The credibility of an election cannot rest on a foundation viewed as partisan, no matter how competent the individual may be.
Still, the debate had evolved into something bigger—a broader exploration of who the next INEC Chairman should be. The focus shifted beyond just credentials to issues of identity, geography, and representation. A striking observation emerged: the South East, despite its significance in Nigeria’s political landscape, has never produced an INEC Chairman. Nor has Niger State in the North Central zone—a region often treated as an afterthought in federal appointments, as if its cultural proximity to the North West blurs its political relevance.
With Nentawe now leading the ruling party, attention has shifted. Those who once pitched him for INEC are now rallying behind Niger State with renewed urgency. The call is not only for fairness but for symbolism. In a political climate strained by distrust, appointing a competent, non-partisan figure from a historically overlooked region could be a unifying, healing gesture.
The urgency of this demand becomes even clearer when viewed against the backdrop of recent appointments within the North Central region. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation is from Benue, the North Central Development Commission is based in Nasarawa and led by an indigene, and now the APC National Chairman hails from Plateau. Even the Deputy National Secretary of the APC is from Nasarawa. Where does that leave Niger? A state with considerable population, historical relevance, and political significance, yet curiously sidelined. This exclusion feels even more glaring when juxtaposed with President Tinubu’s strong ties to Kwara—a state many see as more culturally aligned with the South West.
If equity is to mean anything, these imbalances cannot be ignored.
The push for an INEC Chairman from Niger State is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about rekindling public faith in a system that often feels rigged against the voiceless. Many argue that ICT expertise should now be a top qualification for the role. Considering the recurring issues of technological failure and logistical delays in Nigeria’s elections, this is a valid point. Why not prioritize someone with a deep understanding of digital systems and infrastructure?
Still, constitutional expectations and historical precedent matter. While Nigerian law does not specify rigid criteria for the INEC Chair, tradition has consistently favored individuals of high intellect, proven integrity, and public service experience. Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current Chairman, holds a PhD from Oxford. His predecessors have been judges, professors, and diplomats—figures who blend academic brilliance with national service.
What’s clear is that the next INEC Chair must be far more than a technocrat. The role demands political insight, legal expertise, administrative skill, and emotional intelligence. It must be someone who can inspire confidence across party lines—unshaken by political pressure. They must be capable of overseeing complex logistics and pushing for critical electoral reforms, ensuring not just that votes are cast, but that they are counted accurately, transparently, and on time.
This is no job for amateurs.
Looking back, Nigeria’s electoral umpires have come from varied backgrounds: from union leaders like Eyo Ita Esua, to scholars like Eme Awa and Humphrey Nwosu, to judges like Akpata, and technocrats like Maurice Iwu and Attahiru Jega. The progression reflects evolving expectations. Today, the stakes are higher. The next Chairman must not only be capable—they must be seen to be capable. Their appointment must inspire trust, not suspicion.
As Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s second and final term concludes on December 31, 2025, the choice of his successor will be a defining moment. It must not be squandered on political expediency or favoritism. The Senate confirmation process must be more than a rubber stamp—it should serve as a national inquiry into the nominee’s competence, character, and impartiality.
This is why Niger State matters. This is why the South East matters. Their exclusion from high-profile federal appointments is not just an insult to regional pride—it weakens the very fabric of Nigerian democracy. Recent appointments—such as Hon. Kayode Oladele from Ogun as Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, and the leadership of the Federal Civil Service Commission also going to the South West—only deepen these wounds.
Justice must not only be done—it must be seen and felt.
In the end, the political tremors set off by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda’s rise are not mere noise. They are mirrors reflecting Nigeria’s deeper anxieties—about fairness, inclusion, institutional credibility, and national cohesion. Whether it’s the INEC Chair or the Federal Character Commission, the time for symbolic, healing, forward-thinking appointments is now.
The nation is watching. Hope is fragile. And history is taking notes.
Mohammed can be reached at bagudumohammed15197@gmail.com and 07034943575
