By Israel Adamu, Jos
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said he is learning politics from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished political leaders. Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday after he was conferred with a traditional title, Kaeh-rit—meaning “the good seed of Ampang East”—during a ceremony held in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.Speaking to journalists after the event, the APC National Chairman said President Tinubu remains his key political mentor, noting that his own growth in politics is largely influenced by the President’s leadership style and experience.
“I am learning from the best leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Mr President is one of the best politicians anyone can learn from,” Yilwatda said. “Since he adopted me as his son, I have learned so much. If you see me succeeding, it is because I am learning from the very best politician Nigeria has produced.” He added that his political ambition is shaped by the lessons he continues to draw from the President, stressing that mentorship and discipline are critical to effective leadership.As part of his visit to Kanke Local Government Area, Yilwatda also announced a donation of ₦10 million, alongside seedlings and other farm inputs, to farmers in the area. He said the gesture was aimed at boosting food production and supporting the federal government’s food security drive.
According to him, the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda of reducing poverty through increased agricultural productivity and empowering local farmers across the country. Yilwatda also expressed optimism over the recent political realignments in Plateau State, describing them as an opportunity for better coordination between governance and party structures. He said the state stands to gain more when government and ruling party operate on a common platform. Emphasising the APC’s internal philosophy, the party chairman reiterated that the APC remains inclusive and open to all Nigerians, regardless of when they join the party.“ In the APC, the person who joins today has the same rights as someone who has been in the party for many years,” he said. “We do not believe in the idea of ‘original owners’ of a party. Once you are in APC, you are family.”
He explained that the party’s inclusive approach is designed to foster unity and cooperation, especially when new members and political leaders defect with their supporters.Yilwatda noted that such unity would help align national, state, and local government structures, ensuring that development initiatives are effectively delivered to the grassroots.“The essence of this alignment is to ensure that national budgets, state policies, and local government structures work together for the benefit of the people of Plateau State,” he added.
The traditional title conferred on Yilwatda in Kanke marks the second such honour he has received within two weeks. Earlier, the Tiv Nation in Benue State honoured him with a traditional title in recognition of his humanitarian contributions and public service.Community leaders at the event described the APC chairman as a bridge-builder whose leadership and outreach efforts have continued to strengthen ties across different ethnic and political groups in the North Central region.
