The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has predicted that at least 70,000 people will attend President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rally in Rivers State on Saturday.
Wike said residents of the state were eager to welcome the President, adding that arrangements, including security and logistics, had been put in place to ensure a successful rally.
The minister spoke on Friday while inspecting preparations at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, the venue of the event. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike described Tinubu’s visit as an important occasion, noting that it would be the President’s first visit to Rivers State since assuming office in May 2023.
He recalled that Tinubu last visited the state as President-elect when he attended the inauguration of projects executed by the Rivers State Government under his administration as governor.
The former Rivers governor expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations at the stadium, particularly the decorations, general organisation and security arrangements.
He urged critics and observers to visit the facility and assess the preparations, expressing confidence that the state would give the President a befitting welcome.
Speaking on the expected attendance, Wike noted that the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators, compared with the 16,000-seat Yakubu Gowon Stadium, where candidates of the Rainbow Coalition were unveiled the previous week.
Despite the stadium’s capacity, he projected that no fewer than 70,000 men and women would turn out to welcome Tinubu and listen to his campaign message.
Wike said the rally would also give political candidates an opportunity to present their programmes and plans to voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that many Rivers residents had already decided to support Tinubu but stressed that campaign rallies remained important platforms for candidates to interact with the electorate and communicate their policies.
The minister dismissed concerns about whether the projected turnout could be achieved, expressing confidence in the ongoing mobilisation efforts and preparations.
He added that security arrangements had been reinforced, with relevant stakeholders working together to ensure a hitch-free event.
Earlier on Friday, more than 80 campaign buses designated for the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas took part in a roadshow through major streets in Port Harcourt before heading to the stadium.
The exercise, which also involved campaign coordinators, was organised to sensitise residents and build support ahead of the President’s visit.
Wike urged residents and other observers to attend the rally and witness the level of support for Tinubu.
The President’s visit is part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike, despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, has remained actively involved in mobilisation efforts for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
