Members of the Rivers State caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the National Assembly have formally declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The announcement was made in Port Harcourt on Saturday, through a statement read by Senator Barry Mpigi on behalf of the caucus. The statement was endorsed by all nine lawmakers — comprising two Senators and seven members of the House of Representatives.

The lawmakers cited the “visible successes” of the Tinubu administration as the reason for their endorsement.

Those who signed the statement include Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, and Blessing Amadi.

In their declaration, the caucus urged individuals considering a presidential run in 2027 to shelve their ambitions.

“We, the National Assembly members from Rivers State — Senators and Representatives — express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his trust and confidence in our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, demonstrated through his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.

“We are pleased with the President’s public commendation of the FCT Minister, whom he hailed as the ‘master of infrastructure’.”

The caucus emphasized that after thoroughly evaluating the President’s economic policies — formulated to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda — they were convinced of the administration’s clear progress.

They highlighted the challenges Tinubu inherited on May 29, 2023, including a bloated debt profile, inflation exacerbated by the printing of N22.7 trillion through Ways and Means financing between 2015 and 2023, and critical infrastructure deficits undermining food production.

The lawmakers asserted that President Tinubu’s policies offer the best path toward social and economic recovery. They pointed to declining inflation rates, reductions in Nigeria’s foreign debt, and optimistic growth projections endorsed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence of the administration’s progress.

The caucus also praised President Tinubu for his “swift” intervention in resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, noting that it has set a foundation for enduring peace.

“As members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, we unequivocally affirm our total commitment to supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” the statement continued.

“As representatives closest to the people, we are set to embark on an even greater mobilisation drive than we did in 2023, to ensure President Tinubu’s return to office.”

The lawmakers concluded by calling on all Nigerians to rally behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as the surest path to the country’s prosperity. They also appealed to potential presidential aspirants to abandon their ambitions and unite behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a moment that has deeply moved Catholics and people around the world, Pope Francis [passed a✝️ay] on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His [transition] marks the end of a historic papacy defined by humility, reform, and an unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His leadership was marked by compassion, interfaith dialogue, care for the environment, and efforts to build a more inclusive Church.

Easter Monday, a day symbolic of renewal and hope in the Christian tradition, now carries a deeper poignancy. Tributes have poured in from global figures and millions of faithful around the world.

As the Vatican begins preparations for days of reflection and the selection of a new leader, Pope Francis leaves a legacy as a spiritual guide, a voice for justice, and a symbol of peace.

May he rest in eternal light.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that no presidential candidate can emerge victorious in the 2027 elections without the backing of the North.

Speaking on the political direction of the region, Baba-Ahmed stated, “In the next six months, the North will decide its stance. If the rest of the country aligns with us, great. If not, we’ll move forward on our own terms. One thing is certain — no one becomes Nigeria’s president without Northern support.”

He expressed deep concern about the nation’s current condition and called on Northerners to reject divisive and manipulative politicians ahead of the next general elections.

“We need a government that understands our challenges and is ready to fix them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now we are in a new administration, yet we’re still complaining. Is that all we do—cry?” he asked.

Recalling the impact of the Boko Haram crisis, Baba-Ahmed noted that it affected every Northern group — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others — and called for unity across the region.

“Before Buhari, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That period demanded unity among Northerners. Today, no politician can just walk in and expect automatic Northern support. Who are you?” he asked pointedly.

He warned against further marginalization of the North, stressing that continuous neglect would not go unnoticed. “If the plan is to rig the elections, they should think again. It won’t end well for Nigeria. The North is paying attention. Elders, the masses, and interest groups are reaching their breaking point. The injustice must stop.”

Baba-Ahmed also encouraged Northerners to abandon identity-based politics, urging voters to prioritize competence and integrity.

“We’re done voting based on religion or ethnicity. That chapter is closed. All we want is the right leader — even if he drops from heaven — someone who will fix our problems,” he declared.

He concluded by affirming that the North had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach the 2027 elections with greater discernment and resolve.