Diaspora leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for reforms to elevate the Chairmen Diaspora Committee (CDC) into a permanent advisory organ within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The call was made in a congratulatory statement issued on Tuesday by former CDC chieftains, Dr. Phillip Idaewor (former Chairman of APC UK) and Mr. Ayoola Lawal (former Secretary and ex-Chairman of APC Scandinavia), following the election of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman.
They urged the new leadership to institutionalize the diaspora as a strategic pillar in the party’s structure and national operations.
“Unlock the full strategic value of the diaspora by embracing a global agenda of integration, innovation, and party reform,” the statement read.
The group outlined a six-point agenda to integrate the global APC diaspora into national operations and electoral strategy:
Elevate the CDC as a permanent advisory organ within the NWC, with policy access and oversight.
Establish a Diaspora Strategy and Innovation Unit to focus on campaign innovation, fundraising, digital mobilisation, and global policy influence.
Formalise a Diaspora Leadership Emeritus council to preserve institutional memory and support mentorship.
Guarantee full representation of CDC leaders (past and present) at the APC National Convention.
Embed diaspora professionals in key aspects of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in economic reform, digital governance, education, and health.
Mandate diaspora engagement in voter education, policy diplomacy, and global grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026–2027 election cycle.
According to the leaders, the move is not just about inclusion but national strategic development, emphasizing that the diaspora must be structurally engaged to serve effectively.
Prof. Yilwatda, a technocrat and former Resident Electoral Commissioner, was elected national chairman by consensus at the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 25, succeeding Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. He has pledged to unify party factions, rebuild grassroots structures, and modernize the party’s approach through technology and professionalism.
