2027: Obasanjo’s Son Joins Tinubu Must Stay Movement, Backs Policy Continuity, Reforms

Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has joined the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation, commonly referred to as Tinubu Must Stay. The group is advocating for policy continuity and reforms under President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Olujonwo, who currently holds several prominent positions including President of the Buhari Youth Organisation, President of Project One Nigeria, and Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Housing, announced his affiliation during a press conference in Abuja.

He explained that his decision to support President Tinubu was influenced by his extensive political experience, a deep understanding of Nigeria's past reforms, and his belief in the importance of maintaining government policies across different administrations.

During the press conference, Olujonwo highlighted that several policies initiated by President Tinubu have not been adequately communicated to the public, leading to misinformation and misunderstandings. He stressed the need for clearer explanations of government policies, their objectives, implementation processes, and their implications for citizens.

He criticized the current political discourse, stating that it often relies on slogans rather than factual information. Examples he cited included the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, increased access to student loans, and the nation's transformation into a significant construction site and investment hub.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the National Coordinator of Tinubu Must Stay, Kashifu Abdullahi, welcomed Olujonwo to the movement, noting that his background aligns with the organization's commitment to sustainable economic reforms. Abdullahi drew parallels between reforms under the Obasanjo administration and those currently being implemented by Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of consistency in policy implementation for national development.

He highlighted ongoing achievements such as the strengthening of the naira, the rapid growth of Nigeria's stock exchange, and the completion of the Dangote Refinery, describing them as significant steps forward.

Abdullahi stressed that the movement aims to broaden its nationwide reach while engaging with a wide range of stakeholders from various sectors. He emphasized that while Tinubu Must Stay supports policy continuity beyond the 2027 election, its ultimate goal is to promote sustained economic reforms and institutional development.

Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of Tinubu Must Stay, described Olujonwo's addition to the organization as significant, acknowledging his family's historical role in major economic reforms and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Ngogbehei, a former Obidient coordinator, recalled the reforms under President Obasanjo's tenure, including telecommunications liberalization and debt relief, which he said laid the groundwork for modern economic growth.

He emphasized that Tinubu Must Stay was established to facilitate informed public engagement on government policies, dispel misconceptions about current reforms, and encourage citizens to evaluate governance based on evidence and measurable results. Ngogbehei stressed that the movement's approach is rooted in factual communication and constructive dialogue, distinguishing itself from propaganda by engaging in respectful, factual, and transparent discussions.