President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he financed the establishment of his university while serving in government, alleging that public resources were used to advance private interests.
Tinubu fired the salvo at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he urged voters to renew his mandate ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Taking a swipe at opposition leaders criticising his administration over the rising cost of living, the President accused some of them of contributing to the economic challenges inherited by his government.
“Those people, talking of hunger, are clearly the mess they created. Atiku was one of them,” Tinubu declared.
He subsequently challenged the former Vice President to explain the source of funding for his university, questioning how the institution was established while Atiku was serving as Vice President.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states were struggling to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office, while insisting that his government’s interventions had improved the situation.
The President used the occasion to commend Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for maintaining peace following the political crisis that threatened the stability of the state government.
He praised Fubara for respecting the position taken by the Federal Government during its intervention in the crisis.
“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” Tinubu said.
Recalling Rivers State’s support during the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu expressed appreciation to residents and appealed for another opportunity to lead the country.
“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 stated.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also appealed to Rivers voters to support the APC presidential ticket for another term, accusing opposition politicians of attempting to discredit the Tinubu administration for political advantage.
Shettima also took a swipe at Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing him of trying to gain political relevance through what he described as philosophical arguments.
