President Bola Tinubu has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he financed the establishment of his private university while serving in government, alleging that public resources were used to advance private interests.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday during an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The President urged Rivers residents to support his bid for a second term in the January 16, 2027 presidential election, recalling the backing he received from the state during the 2023 polls.
Addressing opposition criticism over the rising cost of living, Tinubu accused some former leaders of contributing to the economic challenges facing the country.
“Those people, talking of hunger, are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” he said.
He subsequently challenged the former vice-president to explain how he established his university while serving in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office.
He said his government had taken steps to improve the situation.
Tinubu also commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his handling of the political crisis that had threatened the stability of the state government.
“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” the President said.
Recalling Rivers residents’ support during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu expressed appreciation and appealed for another mandate.
“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 urged Rivers voters to support the Tinubu-led ticket for another term.
He accused opposition politicians of attempting to discredit the President for political reasons and criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, saying Obi had been “diligently philosophizing himself into political relevance”.
Responding, Fubara credited Tinubu’s intervention with helping to restore peace in Rivers State, saying the President had made personal sacrifices to ensure that the state government could continue its activities.
“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,” the governor said.
He also pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, promising that Rivers State 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,” Fubara added.
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