The minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says more than 70,000 supporters will welcome President Bola Tinubu at the rally scheduled for Saturday in Rivers State.

The rally will be held at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, which has a 40,000-seat capacity, his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement on Friday.

Mr Wike told reporters after inspecting the venue that 30,000 more people than the estimated number of available seats are expected to attend.

The minister noted that overflow areas are being prepared to accommodate additional supporters expected to attend the rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow, and that’s why we’ve come here to see… you can attest to the fact that several avenues and streets have gone by in terms of preparation, in terms of the decorations,” Mr Wike stated.

He dismissed doubts about whether the capacity would be met, saying, “It’s not about how certain. I’ve told you that Rivers men and women are enthusiastic to receive Mr President, and I can tell you I’m very confident, very confident.”

The former Rivers governor assured residents that security and logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth event. 

“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,” Mr Wike said.

The coordinator of the Rainbow Coalition, Desmond Akawor, led a roadshow involving more than 80 campaign buses from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to raise awareness ahead of Mr Tinubu’s visit.