Fubara Pledges Three Million Votes For Tinubu, Banks On Rainbow Coalition

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to mobilise at least three million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, declaring that the state would repay the President’s support during its political crisis with votes and loyalty.

Fubara made the pledge on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, where he assured Tinubu that the Rainbow Coalition would mobilise support across the state to secure his victory.

The governor said Tinubu had stood by Rivers State during a period of political uncertainty, intervening to restore peace and ensure that his administration remained in office.

“Mr President, we all know that a good gesture calls for reciprocity. As you have stood for us, we will stand for you. As you have supported Rivers State, Rivers State will support you equally,” Fubara said.

He added that his administration, which he described as firmly in control of the grassroots, would repay the President’s support with votes and mobilisation.

“We will campaign, mobilise our people to secure and deliver a decisive victory with a vote not less than three million for Mr President,” he said.

Fubara also explained that the political arrangement in Rivers would extend beyond the APC, with different parties working together under the Rainbow Coalition.

“Notwithstanding that I am an APC member, we are doing Rainbow Coalition. And in Rainbow Coalition, we have a slate,” he said, adding that the coalition’s candidates would be delivered in the 2027 elections.

Fubara’s pledge comes amid renewed political mobilisation in Rivers State, where Wike, a former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is coordinating the Tinubu campaign.

In his address, President Tinubu thanked Rivers residents for supporting his emergence in the 2023 election and appealed for their backing in the forthcoming presidential poll.

He recalled the support he received from the state during the previous election, saying his visit was to appreciate the people and seek a renewed mandate.

“Give me the mandate. The mandate that I use to govern today, you are a positive contributor. I must thank you for going out there to vote,” Tinubu said.

The President also defended his administration’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the changes to the foreign exchange system, arguing that the country was moving towards economic recovery.

He said that when he assumed office, 27 of the 36 states were unable to pay salaries, describing the situation as a major burden on families and the economy.

“27 of the 36 states. But ever since, we have reversed the decade. We are on the move for prosperity,” he said.

Tinubu pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient with the reforms, insisting that the country had begun to experience progress.

He also highlighted the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities, saying retired workers were beginning to receive their entitlements.

The President commended Fubara for maintaining peace during the political crisis in Rivers, describing the governor’s response to the intervention as a demonstration of maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders.

“I want to thank you specifically for maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace,” Tinubu said.

He appealed particularly to young people to participate in the 2027 election by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the poll as important to their future.

“This election is about you. It is not about me. Your future depends on this election,” he said.

The rally brought together APC leaders, governors, political stakeholders and supporters as the party intensified mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.