A campaign convoy associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) faced intense rejection from local residents in Rivers State, as captured in a viral video circulating online.
According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the footage shows groups of youths mocking the convoy as it passed through the highway, chanting phrases such as “shame” and “holy ghost fire,” while pointing at the vehicles adorned with the APC’s symbols.
The convoy was part of the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family’s campaign, a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
It featured supporters riding in trucks and cars decorated with large banners showcasing images of Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, among other political figures.
Despite this, the reception in Rivers State starkly contrasted the expectations of a warm welcome for the APC campaign.
President Tinubu, although declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, has faced persistent struggles in winning the favor of the state’s residents.
His popularity in the region has remained low, a situation that worsened after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other key elected officials.
Additionally, the imposition of a state of emergency in the state has failed to improve the president’s image or sway public opinion in his favor.
Rivers State, which has a rich political history and a tradition of vocal dissent, has long been a battleground for political forces.
The APC’s struggle to gain genuine traction in the state underscores the ongoing tension between local governance and the central government, particularly in regions that have experienced perceived neglect or mismanagement.
As the 2027 presidential elections draw near, President Tinubu’s campaign will face mounting challenges in consolidating support within regions like Rivers State, where dissatisfaction with his administration remains high.
This rejection of the APC’s campaign train marks a significant reflection of the growing political divide in the state.
The intense reaction from Rivers residents could signal a larger shift in the state’s political landscape as citizens voice their displeasure with the current federal leadership.
It remains to be seen how Tinubu and his political allies will navigate this growing discontent in the lead-up to future elections.
The incident in Rivers State may set the tone for the kinds of political dynamics that will define the next election cycle.
Political analysts are closely monitoring the situation, with some predicting that it could have significant ramifications for the APC’s strategy in the South-South region.