Obasanjo’s son drums support for Tinubu re-election

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The re-election of President Bola Tinubu in next year’s presidential election has received a big boost following the decision of Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to formally join a campaign network to drum support for the incumbent President.

Olujonwo, who serves as President of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), President of Project One Nigeria, and Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Housing, announced his decision at a press conference in Abuja, where TMS leadership officially welcomed him into the organisation.

He said his decision was shaped by his political experience, understanding of Nigeria’s reform history and belief in the importance of sustaining government policies across administrations.

The network, Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as Tinubu Must Stay, is a political advocacy platform promoting policy continuity, sustainable governance and public understanding of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on his political background, Olujonwo said he has been a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since its formation.

“I have been in the APC since 2014. I was there when my father hosted the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to form the movement. I’m not new to the party,” he said.

He argued that several policies of the Tinubu administration have not been adequately explained to Nigerians, creating opportunities for misinformation and misinterpretation.

“There’s a lot of noise out there, and people are distorting what’s going on. ASUU has had no strikes. Students have access to loans. Nigeria has become a massive construction site and an investors’ haven again. These are things we need to promote,” he said.

He emphasised that communicating government policies should involve explaining their objectives, implementation processes and implications for citizens rather than relying on political slogans.

Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and National Coordinator of TMS, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, welcomed Olujonwo into the movement, describing his background as relevant to TMS’s advocacy for sustained economic reforms.

Inuwa drew parallels between reforms introduced during the Obasanjo administration and those currently being implemented by President Tinubu.

“You grew up in a family that led the second wave of reforms in Nigeria. Telecommunications liberalisation, banking reforms — these laid a solid foundation. Being raised in that family, you understand what reforms mean,” he said.

He argued that national development requires consistency in policy implementation, warning that frequent reversals undermine investor confidence and disrupt long-term planning.

“We are building investors’ confidence. The naira is becoming strong. Our stock exchange is one of the fastest-growing. The Dangote Refinery is a game changer. If we start reversing these policies, we’ll go back to where we were,” he said.

Inuwa said the movement will continue expanding its nationwide structures while engaging stakeholders from diverse professional, political and social backgrounds. He added that while TMS supports continuity beyond 2027, its broader mission is to strengthen policy sustainability and institutional development.

Director-General of TMS, Marcel Ngogbehei, described Olujonwo’s entry as significant, noting his family’s historical association with major economic reforms and democratic consolidation.

Ngogbehei, a former Obidient Coordinator, recalled the liberalisation policies of former President Obasanjo, including telecommunications reforms and Nigeria’s external debt relief, which he said laid foundations for modern economic growth.

“We are happy you have decided to take this step. Your father was one of those who revolutionised this country. The debt was paid off, and major innovations were introduced in liberalising the economy,” he said.

Ngogbehei explained that TMS was established to promote informed public engagement on government policies, address misconceptions about ongoing reforms and encourage citizens to assess governance through evidence and measurable outcomes. He stressed that the movement intends to distinguish itself through factual communication and constructive dialogue.

“This is not about propaganda. We will engage respectfully, factually and transparently,” he said.

Beyond its advocacy for continuity, TMS has outlined a broader mandate covering strategic communication, civic engagement, policy research, leadership development and community mobilisation. Its vision is to contribute to a prosperous, secure and globally competitive Nigeria through sustainable governance, strong institutions and long-term policy consistency.