Gus Yahya Runs Again as PBNU Chairman Candidate: Still Has Unpaid 'Debts'
PBNU Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) announced he will run again as a candidate for PBNU chairman at the 35th NU Congress at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, on August 27–31, 2026. He stressed his decision isn't about holding onto the position, but because he still has mandates and promises that he hasn’t managed to fulfill during his leadership.
'Back then I stepped forward with promises to do a number of things, but due to circumstances, some haven’t been carried out,' said Gus Yahya during a gathering at PPBU Tambakberas, Sunday (7/12/2026). He hopes to regain the mandate to complete those moral responsibilities.
Gus Yahya also expressed gratitude for PPBU Tambakberas being chosen as the congress host, given its historical value as the birthplace of NU founder KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah. He prayed that the congress be filled with blessings and produce decisions that bring benefit to the organization, the country, the ummah, and humanity.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/07/