Tinubu Seeks Rivers Support for 2027 Re-election, Commends Fubara-Wike Reconciliation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the people of Rivers State to renew their support for his administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election, acknowledging the state’s contribution to his victory in the 2023 general election.
The President made the appeal on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during a campaign rally organised by the Rainbow Coalition at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Tinubu commended the massive turnout at the rally and praised the reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He particularly appreciated Governor Fubara for demonstrating maturity, understanding and respect for the intervention of political elders in resolving the disagreement between him and Wike.
The President said his intervention was aimed at restoring peace and political stability in the state, expressing confidence that the reconciliation would strengthen cooperation among political leaders.
Addressing the economic situation, Tinubu defended his administration’s reforms, saying the Federal Government was addressing inherited financial challenges, including outstanding pension and gratuity payments.
He stated that the government was clearing accumulated liabilities to ensure that more Nigerian families benefit from economic recovery.
The President also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his economic record while in office, questioning his eligibility to seek another opportunity in public service.
Tinubu used the occasion to present his manifesto for the 2027 presidential election, outlining his administration’s agenda for the next phase of governance.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged political leaders and supporters in Rivers State and across the South-South to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Shettima cited what he described as improving economic indicators, claiming that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had increased from about $3.9 billion to $60 billion within approximately three years.
He also criticised opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, over their political and economic positions.
Governor Fubara, in his address, pledged to mobilise three million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 election, assuring him of his commitment to the Rainbow Coalition under Wike’s leadership.
The governor said members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working together through the coalition.
He also thanked the President for intervening during the political crisis in Rivers State, promising continued support in return for the assistance received.
Earlier, Wike described the turnout at the rally as evidence of Rivers State’s support for Tinubu’s re-election. He said the gathering was organised by Rivers residents without mobilisation from other states.
The FCT Minister also commended Tinubu for appointing Rivers indigenes to key positions in his administration, claiming that the state had received at least 47 political appointments.
He further highlighted federal projects in Rivers State, including the Bonny-Bodo Road and the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland.
Wike also made allegations against former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi concerning funds allocated for the Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital project and the state’s fumigation budget.
The rally, held at the 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, attracted a large crowd of political leaders, government officials and supporters from across Rivers State.
Among the dignitaries present were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, 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.
Also in attendance were several state governors, members of the National Assembly and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu arrived in Port Harcourt from Akwa Ibom State, where he had earlier attended political engagements and commissioned projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Tinubu Seeks Rivers Support for 2027 Re-election, Commends Fubara-Wike Reconciliation