Tinubu Thanks Rivers Voters for 2023 Mandate, Seeks Re-election Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their significant contribution to his victory in the 2023 general elections. Speaking at a rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Tinubu emphasized the crucial role Rivers voters played in his mandate. He thanked them for standing by him and giving him the mandate to govern.

During the rally, Tinubu detailed his achievements over the last three years and appealed to the people to retain trust and confidence in his capacity to promote economic growth and development. He emphasized that the forthcoming election is about the future of the people, particularly the youth, and urged them to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a weapon against poverty. Tinubu assured them that his administration has started the golden age of prosperity.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for being a reliable partner in his infrastructural development blueprint. He also praised Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, for managing his strained relationship with Wike with maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders. Tinubu expressed his appreciation for Fubara's commitment to democracy and peace.

In a subtle reference to his political opponents, Tinubu taunted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, stating that he has no record of achievements to showcase during his eight-year tenure under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed gratitude to Rivers State citizens for their support in the last general elections and appealed for their continued support for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the Tinubu-Shettima ticket as the most formidable in the forthcoming general elections. He highlighted Tinubu's courage and determination to confront the challenges facing Nigeria and his capacity to take difficult decisions in the national interest. Yilwatda expressed confidence in Tinubu's ability to transform Nigeria.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, called on party stakeholders to work together to deliver at least 2.3 million votes for Tinubu. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, told Tinubu that Rivers State has already decided to support his re-election bid, citing the numerous federal appointments and projects in the state.

Wike stated that since the return to democracy in 1999, no Nigerian president has identified with the people of Rivers State as much as Tinubu, with 47 political appointments and various projects in the state. He expressed confidence that the people of Rivers State will vote for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, citing the large turnout at the rally as evidence of their support.

Key points

• President Tinubu thanks Rivers State voters for their role in his 2023 election victory.
• Tinubu seeks support for re-election, citing his achievements and commitment to economic growth.
• The APC and its leaders express confidence in Tinubu's ability to transform Nigeria and promote development.