Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Diaspora Committee have called for sweeping reforms that would elevate the Chairmen Diaspora Committee (CDC) into a permanent advisory organ within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the diaspora leaders congratulated the newly elected APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and urged the party’s national leadership to embrace strategic inclusion that positions the diaspora as a central pillar in the party’s future operations.
The statement, jointly signed by Dr. Phillip Idaewor, former CDC Chair and ex-Chairman of APC UK, and Mr. Ayoola Lawal, former CDC Secretary and ex-Chairman of APC Scandinavia, outlined a six-point agenda for institutional reform to integrate global APC chapters into the party’s national framework.
“The APC should elevate the CDC as a permanent advisory organ within the NWC, with access to policy-making and implementation oversight,” the group stated.
The six key proposals include:
Institutional elevation of the CDC within the NWC as a permanent advisory body.
Creation of a Diaspora Strategy and Innovation Unit, focusing on campaign innovation, diaspora fundraising, digital mobilisation, and cross-border policy advocacy.
Formalisation of a Diaspora Leadership Emeritus Council to foster institutional memory, mentoring, and leadership continuity.
Guaranteed representation of current and past CDC leaders at the APC National Convention, ensuring all compliant chapters have a constitutional voice.
Embedding diaspora professionals in national policy delivery—particularly in economic reform, digital governance, education, and healthcare under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mandated diaspora involvement in voter education, policy diplomacy, and global grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026–2027 election cycle.
The group emphasized that diaspora inclusion is not just symbolic but a strategic necessity for national development and electoral success.
“The diaspora remains ready to serve the party and must be seen, heard, and structurally engaged,” the leaders asserted.
Prof. Yilwatda, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner and technocrat, was elected by consensus at the APC’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 25. He replaced Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and has pledged to unify party factions, strengthen grassroots structures, and lead the APC into a more professional, digitally-driven future.
