President Bola Tinubu has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Nigeria's economic challenges. Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at a Rainbow Coalition rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He accused Atiku of being part of the political leadership responsible for the economic difficulties his administration is currently addressing. Tinubu stated that he is cleaning up the mess created by Atiku and his fellow leaders.
Tinubu questioned how Atiku funded the establishment of his private university, the American University of Nigeria (AUN), while serving as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He asked, "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!" Tinubu also questioned Atiku's moral standing to seek public office, arguing that individuals without integrity and ethical standards should not occupy positions of leadership.
The rally, organised by the Rainbow Coalition led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, brought together political figures and supporters from different parties. One of the major highlights of the gathering was the public reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike, whose prolonged political disagreement had created divisions within the Rivers State political establishment. Fubara pledged that Rivers State would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku swiftly responded to Tinubu's allegations, insisting that his investment in education started long before he became Vice President. He explained that he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, six years before assuming office in 1999. The institution later developed into the American University of Nigeria (AUN), located in Yola, Adamawa State. Atiku's camp dismissed Tinubu's remarks as an attempt to divert public attention from the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The developments in Port Harcourt have drawn attention to the increasingly heated political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Tinubu's supporters are mobilising political structures for his re-election, opposition figures are raising concerns over economic hardship and governance. The economic challenges facing Nigerians include rising food prices, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
A separate political gathering in Asaba, Delta State, ended in tragedy after a march organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement in support of Peter Obi was disrupted by violence. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. along Nnebisi Road, where suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked participants with sticks, knives, and machetes, vandalising vehicles in the process. One person was killed while five others sustained injuries during the attack.
Peter Obi expressed profound sadness over the killing and condemned the attack, insisting that political violence had no place in a democratic society. He called on security agencies to investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible, and ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliations. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also directed a thorough investigation into the incident and called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
Key points
- President Tinubu questions Atiku Abubakar's funding of private university while serving as Vice President.
