In a surprising move, Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has abandoned his father's presidential ambition and declared support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Abubakar, whose father is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), unveiled the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO), a national political mobilisation platform aimed at galvanising support for Tinubu's re-election. This development has generated significant attention given Abubakar's family background.
Abubakar, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, explained that his decision to lead the pro-Tinubu movement was a personal conviction, taken in his individual capacity. He acknowledged that his political choice might attract attention due to his family ties, but emphasised that democracy thrives on the freedom of choice. Abubakar stressed that his conviction was a matter of personal judgement, conscience, and the freedom to make independent choices.
The HBTO, according to Abubakar, was established to build a structured, inclusive, and nationally coordinated movement to mobilise support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The organisation aims to take government policies beyond political gatherings into communities and engage ordinary Nigerians. Abubakar cited reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for interest-free student loans and start-up financing for graduates, as reasons for the organisation's support for Tinubu.
As part of its practical intervention, the HBTO announced the provision of 10 luxury buses to ease transportation challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with plans to expand to other states. Abubakar also revealed a planned two-million-man mobilisation march across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, starting in Abuja. The mobilisation exercise aims to build a disciplined, coordinated, and effective grassroots mobilisation network.
The HBTO has declared alignment with the FCT Minister to deliver the FCT and Rivers State for President Tinubu. Abubakar disclosed that a major mobilisation exercise would hold in Rivers State next week, with structures activated nationwide. This move is seen as a significant boost to Tinubu's re-election bid, with the president's administration having implemented various reforms and interventions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maryam Shetty, Director of the Kano Professional Women Directorate for Presidential and Governorship Elections, has unveiled plans to mobilise 500,000 professional women in Kano State behind Tinubu and Governor Abba Yusuf. Shetty described Yusuf's administration as one that has given professional women and other groups renewed hope of taking a more active part in governance and community development.
Shetty noted that Governor Yusuf's style of leadership has deepened her confidence in the direction of the state and the prospects of its people. The mobilisation of professional women in Kano State is seen as a significant development, with the state's support potentially playing a crucial role in Tinubu's re-election bid. The president's administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting economic growth.
Key points
- Abba Abubakar, son of former VP Atiku Abubakar, declares support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, citing personal conviction.
- The Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO) aims to mobilise two million people across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones in support of Tinubu's re-election.
- Dr. Maryam Shetty plans to mobilise 500,000 professional women in Kano State behind Tinubu and Governor Abba Yusuf.
