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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Princewill A. Dike, has described Saturday’s Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, as a defining moment in the political history of the state.
Dike, who spoke with journalists shortly after the rally, said the event demonstrated the growing unity, political strength and commitment of Rivers people to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and of other Rainbow Coalition candidates in the state.
He said the massive turnout of political leaders, party faithful, supporters and residents from across the state showed the confidence reposed in Tinubu’s leadership and the political coordination of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Dike said Tinubu’s remarks on the nation’s economic challenges and reforms reflected the determination of the Federal Government to address structural problems inherited from previous administrations.
“Tinubu is not the cause of Nigeria’s economic woes, but he is not resting on his oars in correcting the economic mismanagement of past administrations,” Dike said.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to evaluate government policies within the broader context of national recovery and sustainable development.
He said the President’s response to concerns about hunger and the rising cost of living was a reminder that the challenges required deliberate reforms, responsible leadership and collective sacrifice.
Dike particularly commended Wike for the impressive mobilisation at the rally, describing him as a political leader whose organisational capacity, grassroots connections and strategic understanding of Rivers politics had continued to attract national attention.
He noted that Wike’s reference to the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland and the appointment of at least 47 Rivers indigenes into federal positions demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement with the Federal Government.
He also said Wike’s challenge to former Governor Chibuike Amaechi to account for projects and financial transactions during his administration was significant, insisting that accountability remained an essential element of democratic leadership.
Dike described Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s promise to deliver not less than three million votes for Tinubu in 2027 as a major statement of political commitment.
He said the warm embrace between Tinubu and Fubara after the governor’s address was a powerful symbol of reconciliation, unity and the willingness of leaders to work together despite previous disagreements.
He urged Rivers people, particularly youths, women and community leaders, to sustain their support for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressing that 2027 would provide an opportunity to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms.
Dike expressed confidence that the cooperation between Tinubu, Wike and Fubara would further strengthen Rivers State’s position in infrastructure, federal appointments, economic opportunities and the development of the Niger Delta.
