President Bola Tinubu has launched a scathing attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his moral integrity and accusing him of contributing to Nigeria’s economic challenges, as he sought renewed support from Rivers State voters ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
Speaking at a campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Tinubu thanked Rivers voters for their support during the 2023 presidential election and commended the reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rally, organised by the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition, attracted political leaders and supporters from across Rivers State and beyond, with Tinubu presenting his manifesto for the 2027 election.
Addressing the gathering, the President defended his administration’s economic reforms, insisting that his government was addressing financial liabilities inherited from previous administrations, including outstanding pensions, gratuities and salaries.
“The people who governed before us left unpaid pensions and gratuities running into billions and trillions of Naira. We are clearing that backlog so that every family is included and we can share in the prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He claimed that outstanding salary and pension liabilities affecting 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states had been cleared, providing greater certainty for beneficiaries.
Turning his criticism towards Atiku, Tinubu accused the former Vice President of being part of the political leadership responsible for the economic difficulties his administration was attempting to resolve.
“When those people talk about hunger, remember that I am cleaning up the mess they created. Atiku was one of them. 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 declared.
The President further questioned Atiku’s suitability for public office, stating, “A man without moral integrity, latitude, and ethics has no business holding public office.”
Tinubu did not provide evidence at the rally to substantiate his allegation concerning the funding of Atiku’s university, and the supplied account contained no response from the former Vice President.
The President also praised the resolution of the political disagreement between Wike and Fubara, describing the governor’s conduct during the reconciliation process as a demonstration of maturity and respect for political elders.
“During the political crisis caused by a misunderstanding in the family, I intervened on your behalf. I thank Governor Fubara, in particular, for his maturity, understanding, and respect for the wisdom of elders when we intervened,” Tinubu said.
“Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive.”
The President’s remarks followed months of political disagreements between the governor and his predecessor, whose supporters have been central to the state’s political landscape.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also addressed the rally, criticised opposition figures, including Atiku and Peter Obi, while urging voters across the South-South to support Tinubu’s re-election.
Shettima described Atiku as “intellectually malnourished” in relation to his economic recommendations and accused Obi of struggling with “political irrelevance” and “mediocrity”.
The Vice President also defended the administration’s economic performance, claiming that the country’s reserves had increased from approximately $3.9 billion to $60 billion in about three years.
The figures were presented as Shettima’s claims, with no supporting breakdown provided in the supplied account.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara pledged to deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election, declaring his commitment to the Rainbow Coalition under Wike’s leadership.
“Under the guidance and leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, we will deliver not less than three million votes for you,” Fubara stated.
The governor said supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working together under the coalition to support Tinubu.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for intervening during the state’s political crisis.
“Thank you, Mr President, for standing by us at a most difficult time. A good gesture deserves reciprocity. As you have stood by us, we will stand by you,” Fubara said.
Earlier, Wike described the turnout at the rally as evidence of widespread support for Tinubu’s re-election in Rivers State.
“Your Excellency, this is Rivers State’s rally. We did not mobilise anybody from any other state. You can see with your eyes that the people of Rivers State have already concluded and agreed that on January 16, they will vote for you,” he declared.
The FCT Minister praised Tinubu for appointing Rivers indigenes to positions in his administration and implementing federal infrastructure projects in the state.
He cited the Bonny–Bodo Road and the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland among projects demonstrating the President’s commitment to Rivers State.
“Since the inception of democracy in 1999, Rivers people have never had it this way. We have no less than 47 political appointments from Mr President,” Wike said.
“So, who is our brother? Our brother is Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he has identified with the people of Rivers State.”
Wike also directed allegations at former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of failing to account for $39 million reportedly allocated to the Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital project, as well as funds budgeted for fumigation in the state.
The allegations were not accompanied by documentary evidence in the supplied account, and Amaechi’s response was not provided.
The rally underscored the political alliance between Tinubu, Wike and Fubara, with the Rivers governor publicly pledging electoral support for the President following their reconciliation.
Deji Elumoye, Abuja
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