Politics
FORMER Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Ikuinyi-Awaji Ibani, has affirmed grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ibani, also Coordinator of the Presidential and Governorship Campaign in Andoni Local Government Area, spoke on Saturday in Port Harcourt.
He spoke during the APC presidential campaign rally in Rivers, saying all 23 local government areas had endorsed Tinubu.
He attributed the support to the impact of the President’s economic reforms, which he said were gradually transforming the country.
Describing the Chief Nyesom Wike-led Rainbow Coalition as a political unifier, Ibani said it remained the only political platform capable of securing victory for Tinubu in Rivers.
On the rally’s turnout, the former lawmaker said the massive crowd that arrived at the stadium as early as 6 a.m. demonstrated overwhelming support.
“You can see the size of the crowd gathered here as early as 6 a.m. I must say, this is extraordinary. From what I have seen here, the work is done,” he said.
Ibani said the people of Andoni understood the political process and had embraced Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have joined other stakeholders to welcome President Tinubu and campaign for him beyond this venue.
“We want Nigerians to know that Tinubu and the APC are platforms Nigerians can believe in and trust,” he said.
On the economy, Ibani acknowledged the immediate difficulties associated with reforms, saying their benefits required time to reach ordinary Nigerians.
“If you look at Nigeria’s economy today, you will see that it has improved and undergone significant changes.
“But when you are reforming an economy, it takes time for the positive impact to trickle down to the people. That is what we are experiencing,” he said.
On security, the former Speaker said no administration operated under perfect conditions, stressing that leadership was measured by its response to emerging challenges.
He said: “If you assess the security situation under President Tinubu, you will identify improvements.
“There will always be miscreants and criminals who do not respect the state or the rule of law, but the state has the capacity to confront these challenges.”
Ibani urged well-meaning Nigerians to support Tinubu, insisting that security had improved considerably under the current administration.
He said: “We are not where we want to be, but we will certainly get there.
“When Tinubu is re-elected in 2027, Nigerians will witness even greater improvements.” (NAN)
A.I
Nov. 8, 2026
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