2027 polls: Wike assured of huge turnout as APC’s marketing campaign practice hits Rivers Saturday

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that greater than 70,000 residents of Rivers state would end up to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout his go to to the state on Saturday.

Wike spoke Friday after inspecting preparations on the 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, venue of the presidential rally.

He mentioned residents have been enthusiastic concerning the president’s go to, including that intensive preparations had been made to make sure a profitable occasion.

According to him, the stadium was chosen due to its bigger capability in contrast with the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, which accommodates about 16,000 individuals.

Wike mentioned the anticipated turnout may exceed 70,000, with extra areas offered to accommodate supporters past the stadium’s seating capability.

He expressed satisfaction with the extent of organisation, decorations and safety preparations, saying all obligatory preparations had been accomplished.

“We are highly elated to receive Mr. President. Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow. That is why we have come here to see how prepared we are,” he mentioned.

He described the “visit as significant,” noting that Tinubu’s final go to to the state was when he was the president-elect and got here to fee initiatives.

He mentioned Saturday’s go to could be the president’s first to Rivers since assuming workplace.

Wike additionally dismissed considerations about whether or not the projected crowd could be achieved or not, expressing confidence that the mobilisation efforts would ship the anticipated attendance.

“All hands have been on deck. Security is tight. Everything looks up and has been put together. We will get that number, if not more,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of the Rivers state Rainbow Coalition, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, led a street present throughout main streets of Port Harcourt to mobilise help forward of the go to.

 More than 80 marketing campaign buses representing the APC and PDP throughout the state’s native authorities areas participated within the train, which ended on the stadium.

Wike mentioned the rally would additionally present a possibility for political candidates to current their programmes to voters forward of the 2027 basic elections.