2027: Ask Atiku where he got money to build university

•Shettima hits Obi •Yari targets 2.3m votes in Rivers •President will get 3m votes — Fubara By Henry Umoru, Omeiza Ajayi and Daniel Abia President Bola Tinubu yesterday challenged Nigerians to ask former Vice President Atiku Abubakar how he acquired the money to establish his university while serving in government, accusing him of using public resources to advance private interests.

Tinubu, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally, held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his handling of the political crisis in the state, assuring him that he would not regret supporting him (Tinubu). The President, 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 also praised the 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 a swipe at opposition politicians who have criticised his government’s handling of the economy, particularly the rising cost of living and hardship, Tinubu said those accusing his administration of creating hunger were responsible for the problems they now complain 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 President’s remarks came amid renewed political exchanges between the ruling party and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election. Tinubu also used the occasion to express appreciation to Fubara for maintaining peace in Rivers State following the political confrontation that had threatened the stability of the state government. “I want to thank you specifically, 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,” he said. Recalling the support Rivers State gave him during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu said the people stood by him at a time 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 the second term,” he said. He specifically 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 hard working. A man with a mission,” the President said. On the economy, Tinubu defended his administration’s policies, saying 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 salary. But ever since, we have reversed the decade.

We are on the move for prosperity,” he said. According to him, the 2027 election would have significant implications for the future of the younger generation. “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 on Obi Speaking at the rally, Vice President Kashim Shettima also appealed to Rivers voters to support the Tinubu administration for another term, accusing opposition politicians of concentrating on attacking the President rather than acknowledging his achievements. Shettima said those seeking to discredit Tinubu were making efforts 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 took a swipe at the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of seeking political relevance through philosophical arguments. According to the Vice President, Obi had been “diligently philosophizing himself into political relevance.” Shettima urged the people of Rivers State 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 to reward Tinubu with three million votes for working hard to restore peace in Rivers. “Mr. President, when our state was at a crossroads, you intervened as a father and as