The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a socio-political grassroots campaign mobilising nationwide support and securing votes for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027, inaugurated its national executive members on Thursday, 9 July, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives to strengthen grassroots mobilisation across Nigeria.
Founder's Vision and Economic Reforms
Businessman Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, who founded and sponsors the movement, said in a statement on Tuesday that the inauguration is part of efforts to deepen grassroots mobilisation and promote civic participation. Mr Ekpemupolo stated that the economic and structural reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration are beginning to yield benefits, as evidenced by increased foreign investment, growth in the Nigerian capital market, and improved fiscal autonomy for sub-national governments.
He described the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as a nationwide grassroots platform aimed at promoting national development and supporting the federal government's Renewed Hope agenda through community engagement and democratic participation. The movement primarily engages communities, households, and ordinary Nigerians directly, relying on local volunteers and emphasising women and youth empowerment programmes as a central tenet of its community outreach.
Arrival of Dignitaries and Traditional Rulers
By 11:14 a.m., some traditional rulers had already taken their seats at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel event centre. By 11:28 a.m., delegates were seated awaiting the arrival of dignitaries. At 11:50 a.m., several first-class traditional rulers, including the rulers of the Ijaw-Warri and Gbaramatu kingdoms and the Emir of Keffi, arrived for the ceremony.
Welcome Address by Aminu Masari
At 2:00 p.m., former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, delivered the welcome address. He said President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results, noting that the administration has made huge investments in infrastructure to increase productivity and lead to sustainable economic growth.
Mr Masari, who served as chairman of the occasion, urged the BAT Door-to-Door members to engage in issue-based campaigns and earn the confidence of the people by showing commitment to national interest. He emphasised that the movement must reflect the diversity of Nigerians, accommodating women, persons with disabilities, farmers, and everyone positively contributing to Nigeria's development. He commended the promoters for mobilising Nigerians for the noble cause and called on Nigerians to continue supporting democratic processes.
Documentary and Cultural Performance
At 2:13 p.m., a documentary titled 'The Journey So Far: The Door-To-Door Movement' was aired, starting with the 'On your mandate we shall stand' song associated with President Tinubu. In the documentary, Government Ekpemupolo argued that President Tinubu should be allowed a second term, noting that his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, served two terms. The documentary narrator said Mr Tinubu's economic breakthrough is the reason the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement is mobilising millions of Nigerians through door-to-door campaigns to vote for Mr Tinubu for a second term.
At 2:21 p.m., the Raffle African dance troupe performed, showcasing Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage from different parts of the country, to the excitement of the packed hall.
Keynote Address by Professor Bashir Makarfi
At 2:20 p.m., Professor Bashir Makarfi of Bayero University, Kano, delivered the keynote address on 'Implementing difficult reforms in the context of continuity: the Nigerian experience 2023-2031.' He spoke on the positive impact of the Tinubu administration, which he said has improved the living conditions of Nigerians. He recalled that Nigeria was at a crossroads when President Tinubu took office in May 2023.
APC National Leader and Chairman's Remarks
At 3:03 p.m., the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, said citizens 'now believe in us' and that people are seeing infrastructure. At 3:04 p.m., the National Chairman of the APC, also a professor, addressed the movement, stating: 'Roads are constructed, a connection between the North, South-South and South-East. These are the stories that must be told at the grassroots. This movement matters, your assignment is simple, knock on every door, speak with humility and speak with evidence.'
At 3:09 p.m., he invited the national leaders of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to the stage and declared them inaugurated.
President Tinubu's Representation and National Coordinator's Acceptance
At 3:17 p.m., President Bola Tinubu was connected to speak from the State House, but Senate President Godswill Akpabio physically represented him at the event. At 3:19 p.m., the National Coordinator of PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Sunday Asukonbi, accepted the inauguration, stating: 'I accept responsibilities given to me in humility as a personal commitment to spread information about the achievements of President Bola Tinubu from door to door. We are not just going to knock on the physical door; we are going to knock on the doors of your heart. You will open your heart and vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.' He charged members to mobilise with integrity.
Goodwill Messages from Traditional Rulers and Officials
At 3:46 p.m., the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, delivered a goodwill message, stating he represents traditional fathers to support what President Tinubu stands for. He noted: 'The capital market capitalisation is now over N140 trillion, never in the history of Nigeria. Foreign reserve is now $52 billion. This can finance importation for three years conveniently. We are now ready for full production in our country. The very bold decision he took, we are now seeing the impact.' He praised the reform of the Ajaokuta steel company and charged members to meet the needs of needy Nigerians door-to-door.
At 3:55 p.m., Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, delivered a goodwill message, saying: 'Before President Bola Tinubu came to office in 2023, Nigeria was producing below 1 million barrels of oil per day. Today we are doing 1.82 million barrels per day – that is 82 per cent improvement. Oil is very strategic to all sectors of our economy. Now Nigeria has $52 billion. The majority of that money came from the oil sector. Before President Tinubu came, there was no investment in the oil sector. Since Mr President came, investment in the sector is in excess of $50 billion. That is why the currency is getting stronger. Since Bola Tinubu came into office in 2023, there has been no fuel crisis in this country at all.'
At 4:00 p.m., Governor Umar Bargo of Niger State delivered a goodwill address, assuring the movement of his commitment and support. He said President Tinubu's reforms came at the time Nigerians needed them most.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said in his goodwill message that democracy is not an abstract concept and that the movement serves as part of the renewed hope agenda. He urged executives to listen to the people and called for inclusivity, including people with disabilities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio's Speech
At 4:18 p.m., Senate President Godswill Akpabio mounted the stage. He commended founder and grand patron Government Ekpemupolo for his efforts and initiative. Mr Akpabio said the National Assembly is ready to provide support to strengthen the reforms pushed forward by President Tinubu's administration. He stated: 'Our nation is bigger than any political party; Nigeria is greater than any public office holder or elections.' He advised movement members to knock on every door with respect. Representing President Bola Tinubu, he ended his speech by singing, 'I can see everything turning around for Nigeria.'
Conclusion of the Event
At 4:37 p.m., the programme ended with the inauguration of buses for the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, symbolising the start of grassroots campaigns across the country.
