Ondo Students and Youth Kick Off Mobilization for Tinubu's 2027 Re-election
In a significant political development, students and youth groups in Ondo State have officially commenced a mobilization campaign aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu's bid for re-election in 2027. The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at the secretariat of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Akure, with participants pledging to rally widespread support for the president at the polls.
Influence of Interior Minister Drives Mobilization
The mobilization effort is largely attributed to the influence of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose contributions to student welfare and youth development have garnered substantial backing across campuses. According to Mayomi Adekanye, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Committee for the Ondo axis, Tunji-Ojo's consistent support through bursaries and other interventions has made it easy for students to align with the current administration.
Adekanye emphasized that the minister's engagement with young people extends beyond his official duties, noting that he has built a strong rapport with the student community. He explained that the event featured representatives from various institutions, faculties, and local government areas across the state, with over 1,000 student leaders mobilized for the gathering. Each of these leaders represents a larger student population within their respective schools, amplifying the campaign's reach.
Grassroots Strategy and Broader Engagement
Olumuyiwa Asagunla, Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, highlighted that this mobilization forms part of a comprehensive strategy to engage critical stakeholders throughout Ondo State. He revealed that the group has previously targeted commercial motorcycle riders and other segments, with the current focus on students and youths designed to strengthen grassroots support for President Tinubu.
Asagunla further disclosed that ongoing efforts include sensitizing various societal groups, such as artisans, market women, non-indigenes, and transport workers, about the administration's policies and programs. He expressed confidence that participants will actively promote the president's agenda within their communities, with plans to extend the mobilization to tertiary institutions across the state in the near future.
"Soon, we will start visiting campuses, and they will also go out to promote the message of Tinubu's second term, as encouraged by Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo," Asagunla stated, underscoring the collaborative nature of the campaign.
Student Leaders Voice Support
During the event, Adekanye articulated the rationale behind the students' endorsement, stating, "When someone has done something good, you support such a person, and that is why we are here today. Despite the situation in the country, we came out using Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to canvass support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; it is very easy for us because he has been performing remarkably well."
He praised Tunji-Ojo's track record, both as a former member of the House of Representatives and in his current role as Minister of Interior, noting that his goodwill has significantly benefited the student community. This positive impact, according to Adekanye, has facilitated a seamless alignment with the administration's goals and bolstered enthusiasm for Tinubu's re-election campaign.
