Tinubu made the remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he sought the support of voters for his re-election bid in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The President urged Rivers residents to renew the mandate they gave him and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2023, while responding to opposition criticism over the rising cost of living and the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
He accused some opposition politicians of contributing to the problems his administration inherited, insisting that those criticising his government should also account for their own records in public office.
“Those people, talking of hunger, are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” Tinubu said.
Taking a direct swipe at the former Vice President, he questioned the source of funding for Atiku’s university project, arguing that Nigerians deserved an explanation.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that 27 of the 36 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office. He maintained that his government had taken steps to improve the financial position of the states.
The President used the occasion to commend Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his response to the political crisis that had threatened the stability of the state government.
Tinubu said Fubara demonstrated commitment to peace and democratic principles by respecting the President’s intervention in the dispute.
“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 he received from Rivers voters during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the state for standing by him at a difficult period in his political journey.
“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.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also appealed to Rivers residents to support the APC ticket for another term. He accused opposition politicians of attempting to discredit the President for political reasons and criticised Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, saying Obi had been “diligently philosophizing himself into political relevance”.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara thanked Tinubu for intervening in the political crisis in Rivers State, crediting the President’s personal involvement with helping restore stability and allowing his administration to continue its work.
“Today, by the mercy of God Almighty and your fatherly intervention, Rivers State is peaceful. Let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, say thank you,” Fubara said.
The governor also pledged the state’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, declaring that Rivers would deliver three million votes for the President.
“Rivers will give you three million votes. We will stand by you. We will work for you. We will deliver for you,” he added.
The rally formed part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election, with the President and other party leaders seeking to consolidate support in Rivers State.
