A viral video circulating on social media shows a group of youths in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, taking to the streets to campaign against voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general Elections. The 45-second clip, sighted by Media Talk Africa on X, captures the demonstrators accusing President Bola Tinubu of imposing severe economic hardship on Nigerians through what they describe as bad governance.
In the footage, the protesters chant in Pidgin English, questioning the availability of basic necessities: “You get food for house? No, you get light for house? No. Hunger de. Tinubu brought hunger through bad government.” They argue that the current administration has failed to resolve the country’s lingering economic crisis and insist it should be voted out in 2027.
The street action contrasts sharply with recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Speaking on the political future of Rivers State, Wike declared there would be no opposition in the state come 2027, asserting that eligible voters are united in a plan to re-elect President Tinubu. The former Rivers governor referenced a “rainbow coalition” comprising members from various political parties who have aligned to support his preferred candidates.
The opposing narratives highlight the deepening political fault lines in Rivers State, a key electoral battleground. While the youth protest reflects growing public frustration over inflation, power shortages, and the cost of living, Wike’s confidence signals a concerted effort by establishment figures to consolidate control ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts suggest the divergence underscores a broader struggle between grassroots discontent and entrenched political machinery. As 2027 approaches, the tension between street-level mobilization and top-down coalition building is likely to shape the discourse in Rivers and beyond. The government has not issued an official response to the specific allegations raised in the viral video.
