Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on his 58th birthday, expressing confidence that his leadership will help position the ruling party for greater electoral success in 2027.
Otu, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, on Tuesday, described Yilwatda as an experienced administrator and politician whose wealth of experience would be valuable to the APC as the party prepares for the next general elections.
The governor commended Yilwatda for his efforts to strengthen the APC and promote unity among its members.
He said cohesive leadership would be essential to consolidating the party’s structures, strengthening its grassroots network and expanding its political base across the country.
“I am confident that Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda will continue to deploy his experience and political ingenuity to build a stronger and more united APC capable of achieving greater electoral success,” Otu said.
Yilwatda has been the APC national chairman since July 2025 and was returned to the position at the party’s national convention in March 2026.
Before becoming party chairman, Yilwatda served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission and later as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
He was also the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State in the 2023 election.
Otu said Yilwatda’s experience in academia, electoral administration, public service and politics had equipped him to lead the APC at a critical point in the country’s political development.
The governor expressed optimism that the party would, under Yilwatda’s leadership, deepen its presence across the states and secure more victories in the 2027 elections.
“As we look towards 2027, I am confident that a united, focused and determined APC will consolidate its achievements, expand its electoral frontiers and renew the confidence of Nigerians in our party,” he said.
Yilwatda’s renewed mandate comes as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, when the party will seek to retain the presidency and defend or expand its influence across state and federal constituencies.
The national chairman has previously pledged to work towards building a stronger, more transparent, inclusive, disciplined and united APC.
Otu said the chairman’s ability to unite party members and strengthen its structures would be crucial to achieving those objectives.
The Cross River governor also expressed confidence in Yilwatda’s capacity to deploy his political experience towards strengthening the party’s organisation and electoral machinery.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Cross River State, I warmly felicitate with Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his 58th birthday,” Otu said.
He wished the APC chairman many more years in good health, wisdom and strength and prayed for divine guidance in his service to the party and the country.
