Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made the pledge at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Fubara assured Tinubu that the Rainbow Coalition would mobilise support across the state to secure his victory. He said Tinubu had stood by Rivers State during a period of political uncertainty, intervening to restore peace and ensure that his administration remained in office.
Fubara explained that his administration, which he described as firmly in control of the grassroots, would repay the President's support with votes and mobilisation. He added that the political arrangement in Rivers would extend beyond the APC, with different parties working together under the Rainbow Coalition. The governor said the coalition's candidates would be delivered in the 2027 elections.
The pledge comes amid renewed political mobilisation in Rivers State, where former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is coordinating the Tinubu campaign. Wike declared that political parties and stakeholders in the state had united behind the President, insisting that the rally reflected the political strength of Rivers.
Wike launched a fresh attack on his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, questioning his record in office and challenging him to account for projects he said were not completed during his administration. Wike particularly referred to the proposed Caribbean White Specialist Hospital, alleging that $39m had been spent on the project without a visible foundation.
President Tinubu, in his address, thanked Rivers residents for supporting his emergence in the 2023 election and appealed for their backing in the forthcoming presidential poll. He recalled the support he received from the state during the previous election, saying his visit was to appreciate the people and seek a renewed mandate. Tinubu defended his administration's economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the changes to the foreign exchange system.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient with the reforms, insisting that the country had begun to experience progress. He also highlighted the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities, saying retired workers were beginning to receive their entitlements. The President commended Fubara for maintaining peace during the political crisis in Rivers, describing the governor's response to the intervention as a demonstration of maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima also urged Rivers residents to renew Tinubu's mandate, arguing that the administration had laid the foundation for economic growth and needed another term to consolidate its policies. Shettima said the President had taken difficult decisions to stabilise the economy, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of multiple exchange rate systems.
Key points
- Fubara pledged to mobilise at least three million votes for President Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- The political arrangement in Rivers would extend beyond the APC, with different parties working together under the Rainbow Coalition.
- President Tinubu defended his administration's economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the changes to the foreign exchange system.
