The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged the people of Cross River State to surpass their previous electoral records by delivering an overwhelming number of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in January 2027.
Yilwatda made the appeal at the APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, the state capital, where he joined Vice President Kashim Shettima and other prominent party leaders and stakeholders in mobilising support for the President.
Commending the massive turnout and warm reception accorded the APC leadership, the National Chairman described the enthusiasm displayed by the people as a strong indication of growing support for Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He, however, challenged residents to translate the enthusiasm demonstrated at the rally into actual votes, noting that the 2027 presidential election presents an opportunity for Cross River State to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s political and economic development.
Yilwatda said the state was strategically positioned to emerge as a major centre of economic transformation under the Tinubu administration, citing its geographical advantages, commercial potential and maritime opportunities.
He identified the Federal Government’s infrastructure development initiatives, particularly the revival of rail transportation, development of seaports and proposed nationwide superhighway network, as major opportunities capable of transforming Cross River State and the wider South-South region.
According to him, the projects are designed to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, attract investments and generate employment opportunities.
“For Cross River State, the opportunities are enormous. An efficient rail network will improve the movement of people and goods, while functional seaports can expand maritime commerce, create jobs and open new opportunities for businesses. A modern highway network will further connect ports, production centres and commercial cities, integrating the state more effectively into Nigeria’s expanding economic landscape,” he said.
The APC chairman maintained that infrastructure development was central to President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, stressing that improved transportation and connectivity would enable states to maximise their economic potentials, attract private-sector investments and contribute more meaningfully to national development.
He urged Cross River voters to look beyond the excitement of political campaigns and consider the long-term benefits of policy continuity, sustained infrastructure investment and ongoing economic reforms.
Yilwatda also charged APC members, party leaders, traditional institutions, community stakeholders, youths and women to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure that the party’s message reaches every ward and community across the state.
He stressed that achieving the party’s electoral ambition would require unity, effective organisation and sustained engagement with voters, expressing confidence that Cross River State would play a significant role in securing victory for the APC in 2027.
The National Chairman further argued that re-electing Tinubu would allow the administration to deepen its ongoing reforms, accelerate infrastructure development and expand economic opportunities for Nigerians.
He consequently called on the people of Cross River State to convert the impressive turnout at the Calabar rally into a decisive electoral mandate for President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027.
