2027: Onuigbo Tasks Tinubu Supporters on Grassroots Campaign, Cautions Against Fake News
Oru Leonard
President of Globe Legislators and Patron of the Strategic Mobilisation Network for Tinubu Continuity 2027 (SMN TC2027), Rt. Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo, has urged members of the group to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, stressing the need for policy continuity and consolidation of ongoing reforms.
Onuigbo made the call on Monday in Umuahia, Abia State, during an interactive meeting with members and stakeholders of the organisation, where he outlined the economic and developmental arguments for another four years of the Tinubu administration.
Speaking on the theme, “The Case for Continuity, Consolidation and Prosperity,” the former federal lawmaker maintained that Nigeria should not abandon ongoing reforms midway, arguing that sustained implementation would provide an opportunity to consolidate gains, complete major infrastructure projects and improve citizens’ welfare.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians had experienced but argued that the Tinubu administration had taken critical decisions to address longstanding structural challenges, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market.
According to him, although the policies initially increased pressure on households through higher transportation and food costs, they were necessary to correct economic distortions and reposition the country for sustainable growth.
Onuigbo cited improvements in key economic indicators, including the decline in headline inflation from its peak of about 36.4 per cent to 14.63 per cent in September 2026.
He, however, clarified that declining inflation does not necessarily translate into cheaper goods and services but indicates a slower rate of price increases.
He stressed that the government must ensure that improvements in macroeconomic performance translate into increased purchasing power, reduced living costs and better living conditions for Nigerians.
On economic growth, he highlighted the increase in GDP growth from 3.38 per cent in 2024 to 3.87 per cent in 2025, with the economy recording 4.43 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2026.
He also referenced Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which he said had risen to approximately $55 billion in October 2026, describing the development as a positive indication of improved external-sector resilience and investor confidence.
The SMN TC2027 patron further identified developments in the petroleum sector, particularly increased crude oil production and the emergence of the Dangote Refinery, as important milestones in the country’s economic transformation.
He said improved domestic refining capacity could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, generate employment and position Nigeria as a major supplier of refined petroleum products within Africa.
He also highlighted the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles as initiatives capable of providing alternative transportation energy sources and reducing operating costs for transporters and commuters.
On education, Onuigbo described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an important intervention for expanding access to tertiary education, particularly for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
He noted that more than 1.64 million students had benefited from over N372.62 billion in student loans, urging the government to sustain and strengthen the programme.
The former lawmaker also called attention to major infrastructure investments, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, saying their completion would improve connectivity, facilitate commerce and unlock economic opportunities across the country.
He equally emphasised the importance of affordable financing for small businesses, traders, artisans and young entrepreneurs, citing the Credit Corporation of Nigeria (CREDICORP) and other government-backed initiatives as opportunities to expand access to credit.
On agriculture, he called for sustained investments in mechanisation, irrigation, improved seedlings, fertilisers, storage facilities and market access to boost food production, reduce post-harvest losses and make food more affordable.
He also identified insecurity as a major obstacle to national development, advocating stronger security institutions, sustained military operations and improved policing structures. He noted that the proposed State Police framework could bring security operations closer to communities.
While advocating continuity, Onuigbo cautioned that political support should not translate into overlooking the administration’s shortcomings.
He urged the government to address implementation gaps, improve service delivery and ensure that the benefits of its policies reached ordinary Nigerians.
Turning to the mobilisation responsibilities of SMN TC2027, he charged members to move beyond political meetings and social media campaigns by establishing effective grassroots structures across communities.
He identified market associations, students, professionals, artisans, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations as critical stakeholders that should be engaged.
According to him, effective mobilisation requires listening to citizens, understanding their concerns and communicating government policies in ways that demonstrate their relevance to everyday life.
Onuigbo specifically warned members against misinformation, exaggerated claims, political insults and unsubstantiated promises, stressing that credibility and factual communication must remain the foundation of the organisation’s activities.
He maintained that the network’s success should be measured by its ability to build relationships, expand community engagement and achieve measurable mobilisation outcomes rather than merely recording attendance at political gatherings.
Recalling a strategic meeting held on August 28, 2026, which laid the foundation for the organisation, he described the November 2 meeting as an opportunity to strengthen its operational structure and expand its mobilisation agenda.
As the 2027 general election approaches, Onuigbo said the network’s campaign would be guided by four principles: continuity, consolidation, completion and prosperity.
He explained that continuity meant sustaining policies and reforms, consolidation involved strengthening existing achievements, completion required delivering ongoing projects and outstanding commitments, while prosperity remained the ultimate objective of national development.
He urged members to leave the meeting with renewed determination to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
“We are not asking Nigerians to believe that everything is perfect. We are asking them to believe that Nigeria’s progress is worth sustaining and that the work already started deserves to be completed,” he said.
Onuigbo further called for a disciplined, organised and visible mobilisation campaign, emphasising that every community reached and every meaningful engagement would contribute to the network’s objective of securing support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
