{
  "id": 18820162,
  "title": "Abdulsamad Rabiu: One of the Most Influential Men in Tinubu’s Corner",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/abdulsamad-rabiu-one-of-the-most-influential-men-in-tinubus-corner",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:11:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/08/abdulsamad-rabiu-one-of-the-most-influential-men-in-tinubus-corner/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abdulsamad Rabiu, a prominent figure in Nigeria, has found himself in the inner circle of President Bola Tinubu. A testament to this is Rabiu's recent visit to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah alongside the President for the Umrah pilgrimage. This experience, which he described as a \"deep blessing,\" appears to have solidified Rabiu's position in the President's corner.\n\nDuring a dinner for the delegation in Makkah, Rabiu revealed that it was the third time the group had met with Tinubu since their arrival. His involvement in these meetings has been speculated to include a pledge of the business community's support for the President's re-election bid. Back home, Rabiu has consistently aligned his companies' operations with the government's objectives. In October 2026, he met with Tinubu at the Presidential Office in Abuja to discuss this further.\n\nRabiu is also advocating for the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to coordinate private-sector involvement in the administration's Renewed Hope social initiatives. His business empire, BUA Group, is diversified across sectors like cement, sugar, food processing, and infrastructure. Rabiu has been vocal about his support for the government's policies, noting that they have improved the foreign exchange environment and reduced food prices - sectors crucial to his businesses.\n\nThe President has reciprocated this support, marking Rabiu's birthdays, including his 65th and 66th, with official statements. Rabiu's influence extends beyond personal relationships; the administration even included him in public appearances with other business leaders and government officials during a trip to Makkah.\n\nRabiu's standing, built on his industrial record, has earned him a seat close to the President's table. With the administration's momentum gaining traction, Rabiu's endorsement could potentially sway voters in the general election scheduled for January 2027.",
  "summary": "Not many Nigerians can say they have stood inside the Holy Kaaba beside their president. Abdulsamad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, can. He was among those allowed in when President",
  "key_points": [
    "Abdulsamad Rabiu, Nigerian business leader, in President Tinubu's inner circle.",
    "Visited Holy Kaaba in Makkah with President for Umrah pilgrimage.",
    "Advocates for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's role in social initiatives."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rabiu’s deepening alignment with the presidency bridges the gap between industrial leadership and political influence, positioning the business community as a central pillar for the administration's future electoral success.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}