By Stella Odueme
President Bola Tinubu has said his bid for re-election in 2027 is aimed at securing a better future for Nigerian youths through improved education, welfare and economic opportunities.
Tinubu stated this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Rivers State, held in Port Harcourt, where he solicited the support of the electorate for the January 2027 general elections.
The President expressed appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their support during the 2023 presidential election, assuring them that his administration was committed to delivering prosperity.
He recalled that when he assumed office in 2023, 27 of the 36 states were struggling to pay workers' salaries, necessitating difficult economic decisions to reposition the country.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu described the massive turnout as unprecedented and commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a development partner in his administration.
The President acknowledged Wike's contributions to his 2023 electoral victory, particularly at a time when he said he felt hopeless.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Minister Rabi Musa Umar,he also commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for accepting the counsel of elders and supporting efforts to restore peace in the state.
Tinubu assured the governor that he would not regret his actions towards achieving peace, adding that the gesture would be remembered.
Earlier, Wike described Tinubu as a brother to the people of Rivers State, arguing that political brotherhood transcended blood relationships.
He cited the establishment of the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland, the commissioning of the Bodo-Bonny Road and the appointment of more than 47 Rivers indigenes into federal positions as evidence of the President's commitment to the state.
The FCT minister also criticised politicians who claimed they were too popular to campaign ahead of the elections.
He challenged such politicians to maintain their position after the polls rather than complain about electoral irregularities.
Wike said those who had publicly declared that they did not need to campaign should be held accountable for their statements.
In his remarks, Fubara described the rally as a celebration of the strength and political importance of Rivers State.
He praised the Federal Government for its projects in the state and appreciated Tinubu for entrusting Rivers indigenes with sensitive responsibilities in his administration.
The governor pledged the state's support for the President, declaring that Rivers people would reciprocate his gestures with their votes, loyalty and support.
Also speaking, Vice-President Kashim Shettima commended the people of Rivers State for their political awareness and educational standing, urging them to appreciate the President's economic reforms rather than join those criticising his administration.
Shettima said Tinubu had taken difficult but necessary decisions to rescue the economy from further decline.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary condition for securing victory for Tinubu in 2027.
The APC governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Kingsley O. Chinda, who delivered the vote of thanks, appreciated the President for his interventions in the state and assured him of massive support from Rivers voters.