President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerians to ask former Vice President Atiku Abubakar how he obtained the money to establish a university while serving in government, accusing him of using public resources to advance private interests.
Speaking yesterday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tinubu also thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his handling of the state’s political crisis and assured him that he would not regret supporting the President.
Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in the January 16, 2027, presidential election, urged Rivers residents to renew the mandate they gave him and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2023.
He praised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike for his development efforts and political support, describing him as a dependable partner in his administration.
Taking aim at opposition politicians who have criticised his government’s handling of the economy, including the rising cost of living and hardship, Tinubu said those accusing his administration of creating hunger were responsible for the problems they now complained about.
“Those people talking of hunger are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” he said.
“Ask him how he built the university while he was in office as vice president in charge of our economy. Who built the university for you? It’s your money. It’s your effort. A man without moral integrity, rectitude and ethics for the office,” Tinubu said.
The remarks came amid renewed exchanges between the ruling party and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tinubu also thanked Fubara for maintaining peace in Rivers State after a political confrontation threatened the stability of the state government.
“I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding and respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” he said.
Recalling Rivers State’s support for him in the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu said the people had stood by him when his political fortunes appeared uncertain.
“Rivers State, you have been good to me. In 2023, when I looked very helpless, you stood out to support me. Today again, I return here to say thank you and seek your support for a second term,” he said.
He also acknowledged Wike’s contribution to his administration, describing the former Rivers governor as a development partner whose work in the FCT had earned him recognition.
“He is already a development partner of a Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. He is doing a wonderful job. Very, very hardworking. A man with a mission,” the President said.
Defending his economic policies, Tinubu said the country was making progress despite the difficulties inherited by his government.
“When I took over, 27 out of 36 states were unable to pay salaries. But ever since, we have reversed the decade. We are on the move for prosperity,” he said.
He said the 2027 election would have significant implications for the future of younger generations.
“This election is about you. It’s not all me. Your future depends on this election. It is left for you to use the weapon you have. And that weapon is the PVC. If you have not collected yours, please go ahead and collect it. Please. I beg you,” he told the crowd.
Shettima takes aim at Obi
Speaking at the rally, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged Rivers voters to support the Tinubu administration for another term. He accused opposition politicians of focusing on attacking the President rather than acknowledging his achievements.
Shettima said those seeking to discredit Tinubu were trying to demonise him for political advantage.
“Political charlatans on the other side of the divide are making efforts to demonise President Tinubu instead of celebrating him,” he said.
He also criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of seeking political relevance through philosophical arguments.
According to Shettima, Obi had been “diligently philosophising himself into political relevance.”
The Vice President urged Rivers residents to renew the mandate they gave the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in the last presidential election.
“We ask you to renew your mandate again, His Excellency President Tinubu,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fubara promised that Rivers State would deliver three million votes for Tinubu, citing the President’s role in restoring peace to the state.
“Mr President, when our state was at a crossroads, you intervened as a father and as a true statesman amid intense political uncertainty. You did not look away. You reached out with a fatherly hand, called for peace and harmony, intervened directly and made personal sacrifices so our administration could remain standing and continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State,” the governor said.
“Today, by the mercy of God Almighty and your fatherly intervention, Rivers State is peaceful. Let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, say thank you. Thank you for standing with us during the most difficult moments.
“Rivers will give you three million votes. We will stand by you. We will work for you. We will deliver for you,” he said.
