PORTHARCOURT: President Bola Tinubu has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara that he will not regret accepting his intervention in the protracted political crisis that rocked the state, commending him for choosing peace and demonstrating respect for the reconciliation process.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, where he praised Fubara’s conduct during the political disagreement and acknowledged his role in efforts to restore stability in Rivers State.
The President described the governor as a committed democrat, noting that his willingness to accept the intervention of political leaders helped sustain peace during a difficult period in the state’s political history.
“I want to thank you particularly for your maturity, understanding, 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 as long as all of us are alive,” Tinubu said.
The President’s remarks highlighted the political reconciliation involving Fubara and other major political figures in Rivers State, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whose political differences with the governor had generated prolonged tension in the state
At the rally, Tinubu also commended Wike for his contributions to infrastructure development and described him as a development partner of his administration.
The President urged residents of Rivers State to acknowledge Wike’s efforts, saying his vision and commitment had contributed to infrastructure development across the country.
Tinubu recalled the support Rivers State gave him during the 2023 presidential election, explaining that his return to the state was part of efforts to seek renewed support for his second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
He promised to sustain his administration’s economic reforms and prosperity agenda, insisting that his government had taken steps to address the financial difficulties it inherited.
According to the President, 27 out of Nigeria’s 36 states were unable to meet their salary obligations when he assumed office. He said the inability of governments to pay workers regularly had serious consequences for households and the wider economy.
Tinubu maintained that the regular payment of salaries would strengthen household purchasing power and stimulate economic activities.
Addressing young Nigerians at the gathering, the President described the 2027 general election as an important moment for their future.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the electoral process by voting for leaders committed to economic development.
The President’s appeal came as political parties and their supporters intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Governor Fubara pledged that Rivers State would mobilise at least three million votes for Tinubu’s re-election bid in the January 2027 presidential election.
The governor said Rivers State remained appreciative of the Federal Government’s support, particularly in infrastructure development and efforts to restore political stability in the state.
He specifically acknowledged Tinubu’s intervention during the height of the political crisis, saying the President’s personal involvement and calls for peace helped his administration remain in office and continue its activities.
Fubara said Rivers State was prepared to reciprocate the support, promising to mobilise residents across the state in support of the President’s second-term ambition.
“As you have stood for us, we will stand for you. As you have supported Rivers State, Rivers State will support you equally,” the governor said.
He further promised that the state would work towards securing at least three million votes for Tinubu.
We promise that under your guidance and direction, and under the guidance of our leader, the coordinator of the presidential campaign council for Rivers State, the Honourable Minister, we will campaign and mobilise our people to secure and deliver a decisive victory with a vote not less than three million for Mr President,” Fubara added.
Fubara also thanked the President for appointing more than 40 indigenes of Rivers State to various positions in the Federal Government.
He specifically mentioned Wike, whom he described as a political leader entrusted with sensitive national responsibilities.
The governor further acknowledged federal infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which he said reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to economic development in the Niger Delta region.
On the political structure in Rivers State, Fubara explained that although he is now a member of the APC, the state operates a political arrangement known as the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together politicians from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He assured Tinubu that the coalition would work towards delivering its political arrangement and candidates in the 2027 elections.
The governor’s declaration places Rivers State at the centre of the unfolding political realignments ahead of the next general election, particularly as the APC seeks to consolidate its political presence in the state.
Tinubu’s appearance at the rally and Fubara’s three-million-vote pledge also underscored the significance of Rivers State to the President’s re-election campaign.
However, the actual votes that will be recorded in the 2027 election will ultimately depend on the choices of eligible voters and the outcome of the electoral process.
