Gus Yahya to Seek PBNU Chair, Rejects Claims of Presidential Backing Ahead of 35th NU Congress

Gus Yahya (Yahya Cholil Staquf), the current chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s (PBNU) executive board, announced that he will run again for the PBNU chairmanship at the 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama scheduled for 27‑31 August 2026 in Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java. He said he wants to complete unfinished agendas and further improve the organization’s achievements.

He also dismissed rumours that his candidacy was endorsed by President Prabowo Subianto, stating, “If anyone claims they are running because they are approved by the President, that is certainly false,” and affirmed that there is no involvement from the palace in the Muktamar.

In a separate press conference, Gus Yahya rebuked PKB leader Muhaimin Iskandar’s comment that NU needed new leadership, saying the latter “does not understand NU” because he has never served in NU’s internal structures.

He confirmed that preparations for the Congress have entered the final stage, with earlier concerns resolved and only technical details remaining.