Tinubu Seeks Rivers’ Renewed Support, Commends Wike-Fubara Reconciliation at Port Harcourt Rally

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the people of Rivers State to renew their support for his administration, expressing confidence that ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure development would translate into greater prosperity for Nigerians.

The President made the appeal on Saturday at a massive political rally organised by the Rainbow Coalition at the 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where he acknowledged Rivers State’s contribution to his victory in the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu, who was received by a mammoth crowd of political supporters and party loyalists, also commended the reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the governor’s approach to resolving their political differences as a demonstration of maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders.

The rally brought together political leaders and supporters from across Rivers State and beyond, with the President using the occasion to present his manifesto for the 2027 presidential election and solicit support for the continuation of his administration.

Tinubu Praises Wike-Fubara Reconciliation

A major highlight of the rally was the President’s recognition of the political reconciliation between Fubara and Wike, whose prolonged disagreement had plunged Rivers State into a serious political crisis.

Tinubu recalled his intervention in the dispute, expressing appreciation to the governor for accepting the resolution brokered by political leaders.

“During the political crisis caused by a misunderstanding in the family, I intervened on your behalf. I thank Governor Fubara, in particular, for his maturity, understanding, and respect for the wisdom of elders when we intervened,” the President said.

Addressing Fubara directly, Tinubu declared: “You will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive.”

The President’s remarks underscored the political significance of the reconciliation, which has brought the two leaders together in a renewed alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, has emerged as a political platform bringing together supporters of different parties in Rivers State, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The gathering demonstrated the coalition’s effort to consolidate political support for Tinubu’s re-election bid while maintaining cooperation among political leaders who previously belonged to opposing camps.

President Defends Economic Reforms

Tinubu also used the rally to defend his administration’s economic policies, insisting that the reforms were laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity despite the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians.

He said the Federal Government was addressing inherited financial liabilities, including unpaid pensions and gratuities, which he described as obstacles to economic recovery and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

According to the President, the administration was working to ensure that the benefits of economic recovery reached families across the country.

“The people who governed before us left unpaid pensions and gratuities running into billions and trillions of naira. We are clearing that backlog so that every family is included and we can share in the prosperity,” he said.

Tinubu further claimed that outstanding liabilities involving pensions and salaries in 27 of the 36 states had been cleared, adding that beneficiaries were now more assured of receiving their monthly payments.

He urged Nigerians to consider the economic challenges within the context of what he described as the inherited problems confronting his administration.

“When those people talk about hunger, remember that I am cleaning up the mess they created,” he said.

The President specifically criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record in public office and his suitability to seek another opportunity to govern the country.

Tinubu challenged Atiku to explain the circumstances surrounding the establishment of his private university while serving as Vice President.

“Ask him how he built a private university while in office as Vice President in charge of our economy. Who funded the university for him? It was your money, your effort!” he said.

The President further questioned Atiku’s moral standing, declaring that public office should be reserved for individuals with integrity and ethical standards.

“A man without moral integrity, latitude, and ethics has no business holding public office,” Tinubu added.

The remarks introduced a sharp political dimension to the rally, as the President sought to contrast his administration’s economic policies with the records of opposition figures preparing for the 2027 election.

Shettima Urges South-South To Support Tinubu

Vice President Kashim Shettima also appealed to political leaders and supporters in Rivers State and across the South-South geopolitical zone to support Tinubu’s re-election.

Shettima argued that the administration’s performance and commitment to economic recovery justified another opportunity to govern the country.

He cited Nigeria’s foreign reserves as evidence of improvement in the economy, claiming that reserves had risen from approximately $3.9 billion to $60 billion within about three years.

The Vice President also launched verbal attacks on opposition presidential contenders, dismissing Atiku Abubakar’s economic recommendations and describing him as “intellectually malnourished”.

He similarly criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of political irrelevance and mediocrity.

The comments reflected the increasingly combative tone of political discourse ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the ruling party seeking to discredit opposition figures while promoting the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Fubara Pledges Three Million Votes

Governor Fubara, in his remarks, declared his commitment to Tinubu’s re-election campaign and promised to mobilise at least three million votes for the President in Rivers State.

The governor said he was fully aligned with the Rainbow Coalition and acknowledged Wike’s leadership of the political platform.

“Under the guidance and leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, we will deliver not less than three million votes for you,” Fubara declared.

The pledge represents a significant political commitment by the Rivers governor, whose relationship with Wike had previously been characterised by a bitter struggle over political control of the state.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his intervention during the crisis, describing the President’s support as a gesture deserving reciprocal loyalty.

“Thank you, Mr President, for standing by us at a most difficult time. A good gesture deserves reciprocity. As you have stood by us, we will stand by you,” he said.

The governor maintained that supporters of the APC and PDP were now working together harmoniously under the Rainbow Coalition.

His remarks were seen as an endorsement of the political arrangement that has brought him and Wike together in support of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Wike Claims Rivers Support For President

Earlier, Wike, who organised the rally through the Rainbow Coalition, described the turnout as a clear indication of Rivers State’s support for Tinubu’s re-election.

He insisted that the crowd was drawn from within Rivers State and not mobilised from other states.

“Your Excellency, this is Rivers State’s rally. We did not mobilise anybody from any other state. You can see with your eyes that the people of Rivers State have already concluded and agreed that on January 16, they will vote for you,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also expressed gratitude to Tinubu for appointing Rivers indigenes into key positions in the Federal Government.

He cited federal appointments and infrastructure projects as evidence of the President’s commitment to the state.

According to Wike, Rivers State has received no fewer than 47 political appointments under the Tinubu administration.

He also mentioned the Bonny-Bodo Road and the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland among the federal projects demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the state.

“Since the inception of democracy in 1999, Rivers people have never had it this way. We have no less than 47 political appointments from Mr President,” Wike said.

He added: “So, who is our brother? Our brother is Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he has identified with the people of Rivers State.”

Wike’s comments appeared aimed at reinforcing the argument that federal appointments and infrastructure projects should translate into political support for Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Wike Questions Amaechi Over Project Funds

The FCT minister also launched an attack on former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi.

Wike questioned Amaechi’s handling of funds allegedly earmarked for the Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital project, claiming that $39 million could not be accounted for.

He also raised questions about the budget for fumigating Rivers State.

The allegations added another layer of political confrontation to the rally, with Wike using the platform to challenge the record of a former political rival now aligned with the opposition.

Rivers Rally Attracts Top Political Figures

The rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium attracted prominent political figures from across the country, reflecting the importance attached to Rivers State in the Tinubu re-election campaign.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, were among the dignitaries present.

Others included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.

Several state governors, members of the National Assembly and prominent political leaders also attended.

Among them were Senators Magnus Abe, Adams Oshiomhole and Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The 40,000-capacity stadium was reportedly filled to the brim, with supporters spilling into surrounding areas.

Tinubu arrived in Port Harcourt after official engagements and a political rally in Akwa Ibom State, where he commissioned projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The Port Harcourt rally formed part of the President’s wider political engagements aimed at consolidating support across the South-South ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

With Fubara’s pledge of three million votes and Wike’s declaration of Rivers State’s loyalty, the rally highlighted the importance of the renewed political alliance in the state to Tinubu’s re-election strategy.