Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Sets Ambitious Target for Tinubu's 2027 Campaign
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has issued a directive to the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) support group, charging them with mobilizing no fewer than 150 million supporters across Nigeria for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. This ambitious target was announced during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where Kalu hosted a delegation from the group representing Edo, Ekiti, and Katsina states.
Grassroots Mobilization and Strategic Engagement
The meeting, which coincided with the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), focused on reaffirming the group's commitment to advancing the President's Renewed Hope Agenda. Kalu, who founded the initiative, emphasized that the core objective is to promote government achievements, strengthen democratic values, and secure Nigeria's future. He urged members to take the agenda to grassroots communities, including markets, places of worship, motor parks, and academic institutions nationwide.
"This initiative speaks to the future of Nigeria. Whatever we do today is to make our nation better in the years to come," Kalu stated. He highlighted the need for widespread engagement, noting plans to establish campus branches in all universities and maintain a presence in every local government area. "We want to be everywhere people gather—markets, churches, mosques, motor parks—so that the agenda becomes part of everyday conversations," he added.
Policy Communication and Voter Mobilization
Kalu further instructed members to simplify and communicate government policies in local languages to enhance public understanding and acceptance. The group's activities will encompass voter mobilization, advocacy, and public enlightenment. "If it is voter registration, you mobilise. If it is campaigns, you engage. If it is advocacy, you lead. Our goal is to make the President’s agenda the people’s agenda," he explained.
Describing the 150 million supporter target as ambitious but achievable, Kalu pointed to early registration figures indicating growing public interest. He also clarified that the group's mandate extends beyond the 2027 elections to include legislative advocacy, supporting key reforms such as reserved seats for women, independent candidacy, local government autonomy, and state policing.
Progress Reports and State-Level Commitments
Earlier in the meeting, National Coordinator Mathias Ehizua briefed the Deputy Speaker on the group's progress over the past two months, particularly regarding its digital membership drive. Ehizua noted that RHP distinguishes itself through an online database system designed to enhance transparency and coordination.
In separate remarks, state representatives pledged their commitment to expanding membership:
- Ekiti State Secretary, Kayode Eso
- Katsina Zonal Coordinator, Bishir Yahaya
- Edo State Women Leader, Judith Ife
They emphasized efforts to recruit members across polling units, wards, and local government areas. Additionally, Edo State Coordinator Armstrong Adedigba disclosed that 11,800 members have already been registered in the state within two months, with civil society and religious groups showing interest in joining the initiative.
This mobilization effort underscores the strategic preparations underway for the 2027 electoral cycle, as political stakeholders align behind President Tinubu's re-election bid through coordinated grassroots and digital campaigns.
