This development brings an end to speculations over who would replace Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past national chairman, who resigned on health grounds.
According to a member of the party's National Working Committee (NWC), Yilwatda's appointment is based on the decision of party leaders to ensure a democrat takes over the party's affairs, rather than a traditional politician.
The appointment comes ahead of today's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling party, following a stakeholders' meeting involving President Tinubu, the APC Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), and others, held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Wednesday night.
Yilwatda, a Christian, was chosen to correct the religious imbalance in the party's national positions, according to the NWC source.
A former APC Plateau governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Yilwatda has extensive administrative and electoral experience. He was appointed as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2017 and served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State.