APC Chairman Strengthens Party with 15 New Appointments Amid Opposition Criticism

By Adole Ochi

In a major move to enhance its operational capacity, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has approved the appointment of 15 Special Advisers, Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants [citation=1][citation=2]. The appointments, which took effect immediately, are designed to strengthen the party’s administrative and strategic framework at the national level [citation=4][citation=6].

A statement from the party’s national secretariat indicated that the new aides are expected to leverage their experience to improve coordination, policy formulation, and engagement with stakeholders [citation=2][citation=7].

New Appointees and Their Portfolios

The appointments cover a wide range of critical functions within the party. The list of appointees is as follows:

Special Advisers

· Senator Danladi Sankara: Special Adviser on Political Matters [citation=2][citation=4]
· Hon. Daniel Oritsegbubemi: Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters [citation=2][citation=9]
· Dr. Sorochi Longdet: Special Adviser on Research, Strategy and Planning [citation=2][citation=6]

Advisers

· Hon. Jibrin Surajo: Adviser on Community Engagement [citation=4][citation=7]
· Mr. Paul Domsing: Adviser on Special Duties [citation=4][citation=9]
· Suleiman Bukari: Adviser on Intelligence Coordination [citation=4][citation=7]
· Prof. Taiwo Ajibolu Balofin: Honorary Adviser on Diaspora Coordination and Mobilisation [citation=2][citation=4]

Senior Special Assistants

· Imran Muhammad: SSA on New Media [citation=4][citation=6]
· Mildred Bako: SSA on Civil Society Organisations [citation=4][citation=7]
· Yusuf Dingyadi: SSA on Media [citation=4][citation=6]
· Mrs. Enenedu Idusuyi: SSA on Protocol [citation=4][citation=6]
· Ismaila Mohammed: SSA on Conflict Management [citation=6][citation=7]
· Zarah Onyinye: SSA on Media and Public Relations [citation=4][citation=7]
· Adaku Apugo: SSA on Inter-Governmental Relations [citation=4][citation=6]
· Obinta Juliet Chinenye: SSA on Youth Mobilisation [citation=4][citation=9]

Strengthening Media and Communication

The appointments point to a particular focus on bolstering the APC’s communication strategy. Notably, Yusuf Dingyadi, a seasoned journalist, has been named Senior Special Assistant on Media [citation=2][citation=4].

This appointment follows a separate but related move from the previous week, where Prof. Yilwatda appointed Mr. Abimbola Tooki as Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy [citation=3][citation=5]. Tooki, a celebrated journalist and editor, is expected to provide strategic direction for the chairman’s media engagement and strengthen the party’s overall communication architecture [citation=3][citation=10].

Opposition Parties Criticize Appointments

The expansion of the APC chairman’s office has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who label the move as wasteful patronage [citation=1].

· Labour Party (LP): Spokesman Tanko Yinusa criticized the APC for introducing “decay and wastage” into governance without regard for public suffering, arguing that resources should be directed toward education and security [citation=1].
· African Democratic Congress (ADC): Former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu condemned the appointments as typical of the APC’s disregard for the economic hardships facing Nigerians. He contrasted the 15 appointments with his own tenure, where he “never had more than three aides” [citation=1].
· Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso described the APC as “a profligacy-driven political party” that wastes resources at the party level [citation=1].

Party Leadership Calls for Commitment

Despite the criticism, the APC leadership has moved forward with the appointments. The Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, stated that the new aides are expected to bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to support the chairman [citation=4][citation=9].

Prof. Yilwatda congratulated the appointees and urged them to demonstrate “dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the APC” [citation=2][citation=7]. The party expressed confidence that the new team would enhance internal coordination and stakeholder engagement as the APC continues its national operations [citation=4][citation=6].