By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside Nigeria after what the party described as an exceptionally demanding first year in office.

The development was contained in a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, on behalf of the APC National Chairman.

According to the statement issued this Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026, the vacation is intended to give Yilwatda time to rest, recharge and reflect after months of intensive party engagements, consultations, travels and strategic activities.

The APC said Yilwatda had, since assuming office, worked with the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, National Assembly members, state party structures, elected officials and other stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It said the party had, under his leadership, organised and concluded its National Convention, strengthened its internal structures and conducted primary elections at various levels in preparation for the elections.

“Far from being a disengagement from party affairs, the vacation provides the National Chairman with an opportunity to step back briefly from the intensity of day-to-day activities, recharge and reflect on the enormous responsibilities ahead,” the statement said.

The party added that Yilwatda would use the period to sharpen his strategic thinking ahead of the 2027 elections, which it described as a defining moment for the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The statement further disclosed that the APC chairman would use the break to reflect on the next phase of the party’s development and put finishing touches to plans for the forthcoming NWC retreat.

According to the APC, the retreat is expected to enable the NWC to review the party’s progress, identify emerging challenges and agree on strategies for the months ahead.

“The retreat is expected to further strengthen coordination within the NWC and enhance the party’s preparedness for the demanding electoral season ahead,” the statement added.

The APC maintained that Yilwatda’s temporary absence from the country would not affect the operations of the party, stressing that the NWC would continue to discharge its responsibilities in line with the party’s constitution and established procedures.

“The National Chairman remains fully committed to the party and its objectives,” the statement said, adding that he is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-week vacation and resume his engagements with renewed energy and focus.