President Bola Tinubu has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of contributing to Nigeria’s economic challenges, insisting that his administration is working to reverse years of economic decline and place the country on the path to prosperity.
Tinubu made the allegation on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress presidential rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he sought the support of residents for his re-election bid in the January 2027 presidential election.
The president, who arrived in Rivers State after attending a campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said Atiku was among those responsible for the economic difficulties his administration inherited, arguing that the former vice president lacked the moral authority to criticise his government.
The president also questioned how Atiku established a private university while serving as vice president and overseeing the country’s economy between 1999 and 2007.
“Ask him how he built a university while in office as vice-president, in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? It’s your money. It’s your effort,” Tinubu said.
Atiku, however, rejected the allegation, saying his investment in education began before he assumed office as vice president in 1999. He maintained that the university project was not started during his tenure.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that significant progress had been made since he assumed office. He recalled that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries when he took over, adding that the situation had since improved.
The president said his government was committed to ensuring that economic growth translated into better living conditions for Nigerians, particularly young people, whose education, welfare and skills development he described as priorities.
He urged eligible voters to participate in the ongoing voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise, stressing that the 2027 election would determine the country’s future.
“This progress has no reverse gear. It is left for you to use the weapon you have, and that weapon is the PVC,” he said.
Tinubu also praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for maintaining peace during the political crisis that affected the state, describing the governor’s conduct as mature and democratic.
The president thanked Rivers residents for their support during the 2023 election and appealed for another four-year mandate.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who organised the rally through the Rainbow Coalition, declared that Rivers State residents had resolved to support Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike dismissed suggestions that the crowd was mobilised from outside the state, insisting that the rally reflected genuine grassroots support for the president.
He also challenged African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi to campaign in Rivers State, warning against making excuses after the election.
Meanwhile, Fubara pledged that the Rainbow Coalition would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing the president’s support during the state’s political crisis.
The governor said Rivers State would reciprocate Tinubu’s intervention by mobilising its political structures to secure his re-election.
