By Seyi Odewale
The NdIgbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen his 2027 re-election campaign by empowering credible grassroots mobilisers, particularly the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and National Leader of the City Boy Movement, Seyi Tinubu.
The group made the call while assessing the outcome of the Osun State governorship election, which it described as a warning signal requiring the All Progressives Congress (APC) to review its mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr, NDI-ABAT said the APC’s inability to secure victory in Osun, despite assurances by the party’s Governors Forum, exposed weaknesses in some existing political structures.
The forum said the lesson from Osun was that the 2027 contest could not be won through conventional party structures and official assurances alone.
“The Osun election outcome should not be treated as an ordinary political event but as a crucial wake-up call for the Presidency and the APC leadership,” the group said.
NDI-ABAT therefore called for greater reliance on politicians and organisations with demonstrable grassroots connections and the capacity to engage directly with ordinary Nigerians.
The forum singled out Umahi for commendation, citing his performance as Minister of Works and the visibility of federal road and infrastructure projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the group, the minister’s infrastructure interventions provide tangible evidence of the administration’s development efforts that can be taken directly to communities during political mobilisation.
NDI-ABAT said Nigerians were more likely to respond to political messages delivered by individuals who could point to completed projects and explain their impact on communities.
It urged Tinubu to empower Umahi further to intensify nationwide engagements ahead of the 2027 election.
The forum also commended Seyi Tinubu and the City Boy Movement for what it described as their commitment to community engagement, youth mobilisation and collaboration with grassroots organisations.
NDI-ABAT said such engagements should be expanded as the APC prepares for the 2027 presidential contest.
The group argued that sustained contact with communities would enable the administration to understand citizens’ concerns better and communicate its policies and achievements more effectively.
“Political victory cannot be achieved solely through traditional structures and official assurances,” NDI-ABAT said.
The forum maintained that credible individuals and organisations with proven grassroots capacity should complement the formal APC structure.
It also acknowledged the commitment of several APC governors to Tinubu’s re-election bid, specifically commending Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, among others.
NDI-ABAT said the efforts of loyal governors should be complemented by stronger grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement beyond conventional political structures.
The forum further applauded Tinubu for congratulating the winner of the Osun governorship election, describing the gesture as a demonstration of respect for democratic institutions.
It said the Osun outcome should provide the APC with an opportunity to reassess its strategy and build a broader, more people-focused campaign structure ahead of 2027.
“The 2027 Presidential Election requires a new approach built around verifiable achievements, direct people-oriented engagements and trusted messengers,” the group said.
NDI-ABAT urged the Presidency and APC leadership to prioritise proven performers, credible grassroots partners and sustained community engagement as part of efforts to strengthen Tinubu’s electoral prospects in 2027.
