Ex-agitators back Tinubu’s re-election as Rivers ADC strengthens opposition

Former militant leaders and associates have taken to the streets of Port Harcourt to push for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election amid dissent and strengthening of the African Democratic Congress-led opposition in the state.

Sobomabo Jackrich, National Leader of the Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM), in a mega rally at the Isaac Boro Park on Monday, April 6, 2026, described Tinubu’s bold transformations across the South-South region as a game-changer for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

He was speaking before a large gathering of youths and ex-agitators from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

The gathering, described as non-partisan with membership across party lines, also urged Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, to run for a second term.

Jackrich said: “Our gathering today is not just historic; it is a loud statement that Rivers people are united in one voice and one purpose to advance the Renewed Hope Mandate.”

He said the movement remains deeply rooted across political, social, and community structures in the state, thereby positioning it as a formidable grassroots force in shaping democratic discourse.

Jackrich said the endorsement was informed by measurable outcomes such as the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, a project that had remained unfinished under successive administrations, despite the economic significance of Bonny Island to the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He also praised the President for signing the South-South Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2025 into law, describing the move as a strategic intervention aimed at accelerating industrialisation and economic development in the region.

Jackrich further praised Governor Fubara for sustaining peace and pursuing a people-centred development agenda. He urged the governor to seek re-election in order to consolidate the gains of his administration.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Seyi Tinubu and the City Boy Movement in strengthening youth participation and deepening grassroots political engagement nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has continued to receive new decampees into its fold despite the leadership crisis threatening its participation in the 2027 general elections.

Leader Sampson, ADC’s state chairman, while receiving decampees from the Green Party on Monday, said the party “must enthrone elected representatives, who will understand that accountability and transparency are the cornerstone of a good governance.”

David Abdey Kalio, state chairman of the Green Party, who was one of the decampees, said Nigeria deserves a better future than what the incumbent administration can give to it.

He said the ADC is undoubtedly the alternative platform that can bring the country back to its former status among the comity of nations, adding that he was joining the party with his supporters after wide consultations.