The National Chairman of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has made a significant strategic appointment to his inner circle. He has named former Senator Danladi Sankara as his new Political Adviser. The announcement, made public on December 24, 2025, is viewed by party insiders as a calculated move to enhance the party's political coordination and deepen its connection with grassroots supporters nationwide.
A Strategic Move for Political Coordination
This appointment comes at a crucial period for the APC as it focuses on internal consolidation and strategizing for future electoral contests. By bringing Senator Sankara into his office, Chairman Yilwatda aims to leverage the former lawmaker's extensive experience and political acumen. Party sources indicate that the decision is designed to reinforce the APC's political machinery, ensuring it remains robust and responsive.
An APC insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the appointment as a timely intervention. They stated that Sankara's inclusion would add considerable depth, practical political insight, and seasoned experience to the operations of the national chairman's office.
The Profile of the New Political Adviser
Danladi Sankara is not a newcomer to the political arena. He brings to the role a wealth of experience from his two terms in the Nigerian Senate. During his legislative tenure, particularly in the Ninth National Assembly, he was known for his consistency and resilience. He held the pivotal position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, where he played a key role in shaping policies related to national communication and public orientation.
Beyond the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, Sankara has built a formidable reputation as a grassroots mobiliser. He has cultivated strong ties with local communities across his constituency and beyond, ensuring that the everyday concerns of citizens are amplified within political discourse. His mobilisation prowess was notably demonstrated when he chaired the committee that successfully secured an APC victory in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency by-election—a feat widely credited to his organisational skills and tactical foresight.
Implications and Expectations for the APC
The appointment sends a clear signal about the direction of the APC under Nentawe Yilwatda's leadership. It underscores a commitment to strengthening the party's leadership with experienced figures who possess a blend of high-level competence and strong grassroots connections. Observers expect Senator Sankara to provide strategic guidance to the national chairman on a range of critical issues.
These areas are expected to include political affairs management, enhanced grassroots mobilisation strategies, and fostering greater internal party cohesion. A senior party member expressed confidence that Sankara's unique understanding of both national political dynamics and local realities positions him perfectly to help the APC sharpen its strategies ahead of upcoming political contests.
Ultimately, party leaders believe that having a figure of Sankara's caliber in the chairman's office will contribute significantly to deeper party consolidation and enable more effective political engagement with Nigerians from all walks of life.
