Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a new political mobilization platform, the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), as efforts gradually build ahead of President Bola Tinubu's expected 2027 re-election campaign. The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where APC women leaders and party stakeholders from different parts of the country gathered.
First Lady Urges Women to Champion Renewed Hope Agenda
Speaking at the event, the First Lady urged women within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to become ambassadors of the administration's policies and achievements, taking the message of the government's Renewed Hope Agenda to communities across Nigeria. "Women are the heartbeat of our communities. I charge every Tinubu Torchbearer to tell our story, clearly, respectfully and relentlessly," she said.
According to her, the Tinubu Torchbearers movement is built around service, patriotism and collective responsibility, with women expected to play a leading role in grassroots mobilization. She said ongoing reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration in key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and job creation require stronger public engagement and awareness. "We did not come to occupy offices for namesake. President Tinubu set out to reposition Nigeria with bold reforms," she added.
Vehicles Donated to APC Women Leaders in Five States
As part of the mobilization drive, the First Lady personally gifted brand-new vehicles to APC women leaders from five selected states, instructing them to register the assets in their own names. One of the major highlights of the event was her announcement that she would personally provide vehicles to APC women leaders in Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun and Oyo states. "These vehicles are for you as individuals. Register them in your name. They are not party property," she told the beneficiaries.
The gesture has already drawn attention online, with critics questioning the timing amid growing concerns over insecurity, kidnappings and economic hardship in several parts of the country. A social media post from Gossip Mill Nigeria highlighted the contrast, stating: "First Lady Of Nigeria Remi Tinubu distributes Luxury Cars to APC women leaders ahead of Presidents Tinubu’s upcoming Re-election to advance his Renewed Hope Agenda, this is Happening all while Nigerians are Protesting against Kidnapping & Insecurity in the Country."
APC Officials Hail Initiative
APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, described the Tinubu Torchbearers initiative as a strategic platform that would strengthen mobilization efforts across Nigeria's 774 local government areas. She said the group would focus on voter education, advocacy and civic participation at the grassroots level. Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also addressed participants, highlighting reforms being pursued by her ministry. She said efforts were ongoing to improve child protection, tackle child marriage and expand economic opportunities for women.
The event also served as a window for the Ministry of Women Affairs to share updates on incoming social interventions, including a universal cash grant system currently undergoing technical review. She further disclosed that a proposed universal cash grant programme for children was currently undergoing technical design and review.
Political Activities Gain Momentum Ahead of 2027
Representing APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party's Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr. Benjamin Nwoye, said the Tinubu Torchbearers would serve as an important platform for increasing public support for the administration's policies and programmes. The launch comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gain momentum, with political parties and interest groups beginning to strengthen grassroots structures across the country.
Critics have questioned the timing of the vehicle donations, given the prevailing insecurity and economic challenges facing Nigerians. However, APC officials maintain that the initiative is focused on voter education, advocacy and civic engagement, and is necessary to bridge the gap between government policies and ordinary citizens.
