ABUJA – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged the people of Cross River State to surpass their previous voting records by turning out in large numbers during the 2027 presidential election.
Yilwatda made the call at the APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, where he joined Vice President Kashim Shettima and other party leaders and stakeholders to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
According to a statement signed by Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman (Media and Information Strategy), Abimbola Tooki, the APC National Chairman commended the people of Cross River State for their impressive turnout and warm reception, describing their enthusiasm as a demonstration of support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Prof. Yilwatda, however, urged residents to translate the enthusiasm displayed at the rally into electoral participation, stressing that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for the state to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s political and economic development.
He described Cross River as a state with enormous economic potential, noting that its strategic geographical location, commercial opportunities and maritime advantages could position it as a major economic hub under the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda.
APC National chairman also identified the proposed nationwide superhighway network, railway development and seaport infrastructure as major projects capable of transforming the economic fortunes of Cross River and the wider South-South region.
According to him, the projects would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, attract investments and create 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 remained a critical component of President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, adding that improved transportation networks would enable states to maximise their economic advantages and attract private-sector investments.
He urged the people of Cross River to consider the long-term benefits of infrastructure development, economic reforms and policy continuity as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda also charged APC members, party leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, youths and women to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure that the party’s message reaches every ward and community across the state.
He stressed the need for unity, effective organisation and sustained engagement with the electorate, noting that the party’s campaign would focus on its policies, programmes and vision for national development.
The APC National Chairman expressed confidence that Cross River would play a significant role in the party’s political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, while urging stakeholders to sustain engagement with voters.
He added that continuity would provide the administration with an opportunity to deepen ongoing reforms, accelerate infrastructure delivery and expand economic opportunities across the country.