Politics
PHOTOS: FCT Minister Projects 70,000 Turnout for President Tinubu’s Rivers Rally
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said no fewer than 70,000 residents of Rivers State are expected to turn out for President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Saturday.
Wike expressed confidence that the President would receive a rousing welcome, attributing the anticipated turnout to the enthusiasm of Rivers residents and the extensive mobilisation ahead of the visit.
The minister spoke on Friday during an inspection of preparations at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, venue of the presidential rally.
He described Tinubu’s visit as significant, saying it would be the President’s first trip to Rivers State since assuming office in May 2023.
According to him, Tinubu last visited the state when he was President-elect, during the administration of Wike as governor, to commission projects executed by the state government.
“We are highly elated to receive Mr President. Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow. That is why we have come here to see how prepared we are.
“The last time the President visited here was when I was in office as governor, when he was President-elect. He came and commissioned projects.
“This appears to be the second coming and the first since he was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. So, we will say that we are very highly elated to receive him,” Wike said.
In a demonstration of the level of mobilisation, more than 80 campaign buses representing the APC and PDP across the state’s local government areas, alongside campaign coordinators, were driven through major streets of Port Harcourt before proceeding to the stadium.
The roadshow was aimed at creating awareness and generating enthusiasm ahead of the President’s arrival.
Wike said he was satisfied with the arrangements at the venue, particularly the decorations, organisation and security measures, adding that the state was prepared to host the President.
He challenged observers to assess the level of preparation, expressing confidence that Rivers would deliver a befitting reception.
“You can attest to the fact that, I don’t know how many states you have gone to, but in terms of organisation, decorations and all that, you will give us a pass mark. It is a lovely place, and we believe that the weather is the best to receive the President tomorrow,” he said.
On the expected crowd, Wike said the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, with a sitting capacity of 40,000, was significantly larger than the 16,000-capacity Yakubu Gowon Stadium, where candidates of the Rainbow Coalition were unveiled the previous week.
He projected that at least 70,000 people would attend the rally to welcome Tinubu and listen to his campaign message.
“Last week, precisely, when the Rainbow Coalition candidates were received by His Excellency, the governor of the state, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the sitting capacity of that stadium is 16,000.
“But here, the sitting capacity is 40,000. What we are expecting, in fact, there are 70,000 Rivers men and women who will come to receive the President and hear him,” he said.
The former governor said the rally would also offer political candidates an opportunity to present their programmes to voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
He, however, maintained that Rivers residents had already resolved to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We have already made up our minds what to do. We are all for the President. But again, it is one of those rituals that every political season, candidates will come and sell themselves to the people,” he said.
Wike dismissed concerns about whether the projected turnout would be achieved, insisting that the level of mobilisation and the enthusiasm of residents would translate into a massive crowd.
“It is not about how certain. I have told you that Rivers men and women are enthusiastic to receive this President. And I can tell you, I am very confident, very confident, believing by the grace of God, we will have clement weather.
“All hands have been on deck. Security is tight. Everything looks up and has been put together. We will get that number, if not more,” he said.
He urged residents and observers to attend the rally and witness the anticipated turnout.
Tinubu’s visit is part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike has been at the forefront of efforts to mobilise political support for the President’s re-election in Rivers State and the FCT.
FOLLOW US ON:
