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HAI Launches Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
HAI Launches Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
By: Michael Mike
The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has unveiled a multi-platform grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election, deploying street activations, SMS messaging, radio programming and political entertainment to sell the administration’s record to voters.
The first phase of the campaign begins on August 19 with the deployment of about 40 human mascots to strategic locations across Abuja, alongside a city-wide SMS mobilisation drive, a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme and an original campaign jingle.
In a statement signed by its Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said its campaign was designed to take the Tinubu administration’s policies and achievements directly to citizens while building grassroots support ahead of the 2027 poll.
HAI said its backing for Tinubu was driven by what it described as “bold reforms and initiatives” aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy, strengthening institutions and creating the foundation for long-term development.
The group specifically cited the administration’s petroleum-sector reforms, which it said had contributed to an end to perennial fuel scarcity and encouraged the emergence and expansion of private refineries.
It also listed increased stability in the foreign exchange market, higher government revenue and foreign reserves, efforts toward greater Local Government autonomy, police and internal security reforms, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), tax reforms and major road infrastructure projects in Abuja and other parts of the country.
“While these reforms have come with short-term challenges, we believe they are difficult but necessary steps towards a more sustainable, prosperous and better governed Nigeria,” HAI said.
As part of Wednesday’s opening activation, the organisation said about 40 colourfully dressed human mascots would be positioned at major roundabouts, markets, motor parks and other high-traffic areas across the Federal Capital Territory.
The mascots are expected to carry branded banners promoting Tinubu’s second-term bid, marking an unconventional attempt to take political messaging beyond conventional rallies and campaign events.
HAI said the street mobilisation would complement its wider media and digital campaign, with subsequent activities expected to expand beyond Abuja.
At the same time, the organisation will launch a city-wide SMS mobilisation campaign designed to establish a direct communication channel with residents and disseminate its messages ahead of the 2027 election.
The SMS initiative, according to the group, represents the first stage of a wider mobilisation programme that will be expanded as the election draws closer.
A major component of the campaign is a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme titled “Wetin Tinubu Don Do Sef”, through which HAI intends to explain government policies, programmes and projects in language it considers more accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
Each edition will focus on a particular policy area, examining its implementation, impact and potential benefits to citizens.
HAI said the programme would feature a host alongside regular guests or co-hosts, with expert perspectives and citizen voices incorporated where appropriate.
The group said the radio programme would pay particular attention to issues including the economy, education, security, infrastructure and NELFUND, which it believes require greater public awareness.
The opening phase will also feature an original campaign jingle inspired by Nigeria’s long tradition of political music and memorable campaign anthems.
HAI said the jingle draws inspiration from the tradition associated with historic Nigerian political campaigns, including the widely remembered Hope ’93 campaign linked to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
The organisation described the four initiatives — street mobilisation, SMS messaging, radio programming and the campaign jingle — as only the beginning of a broader political communication strategy.
According to HAI, subsequent phases will examine the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes across critical sectors, including economic reforms, education, security and infrastructure.
The group said the campaign would seek not only to mobilise support for Tinubu but also to communicate what it considers the administration’s achievements and provide explanations of policies that have generated public debate.
The August 19 activation is therefore expected to mark the beginning of a sustained grassroots campaign by HAI as political parties, support groups and other interests gradually intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
HAI Launches Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, ammunition courier, logistics supplier in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin, intercepted an ammunition courier and apprehended a suspected terrorist logistics supplier in separate intelligence-led operations across Kaduna State.
The operations, conducted on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, targeted terrorist hideouts, supply routes and support networks in Kubau, Igabi and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the state.
In the early hours of the day, troops of Sector 1 conducted a clearance operation at Dabar Dabo, identified as a known terrorist hideout in Kubau LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin and two other members of his syndicate at the hideout.
The three suspects were taken into military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops of Sector 1, acting on credible intelligence concerning the movement of ammunition, arrested a 50-year-old woman suspected of serving as an ammunition courier in Igabi LGA.
The suspect was allegedly found in possession of 300 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had travelled from Zamfara State to Lafia, where she allegedly received the ammunition for onward delivery to terrorist elements operating around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.
The suspect and recovered ammunition have been secured in military custody as investigations continue to establish her network and intended recipients.
Later the same day, troops of Sector 1, working with a community vigilante group, apprehended another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Birnin Gwari LGA.
During preliminary interrogation and a search of the suspect, troops recovered four communication devices suspected to have been used in connection with terrorist activities.
The suspect and recovered devices were also taken into military custody for further investigation.
The series of operations highlights the growing focus of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on dismantling the support structures that sustain terrorist groups, including their command networks, ammunition couriers, communication channels and logistics suppliers.
The successful interception of the ammunition consignment also represents a significant disruption to the movement of military-grade supplies into terrorist operating areas in Kaduna State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to intensify intelligence-led operations across the North-West to disrupt terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action and prevent the movement of arms, ammunition and other logistics across the Joint Operations Area.
The Joint Task Force has also acknowledged the support of members of the public and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.
Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, ammunition courier, logistics supplier in Kaduna
U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force under FMS agreement
By Zagazola Makama
A United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of an ongoing foreign military sales agreement between the two countries.
The development was announced on Thursday by the official X handle of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which described the delivery as a demonstration of the growing security partnership between the United States and Nigeria.
AFRICOM said the equipment was delivered over the weekend and would support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism and other security threats in the region.
“Partnership in action,” AFRICOM said, noting that the equipment formed part of a foreign military sales agreement designed to further the U.S.-Nigeria defence partnership.
The command said the delivery would aid Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly as the country continues to confront persistent threats from terrorist and insurgent groups.
The latest delivery comes amid increasing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, with both countries strengthening collaboration in intelligence, training, equipment and other areas aimed at improving Nigeria’s capacity to tackle terrorism.
The use of a U.S. Air Force C-17 for the delivery also underscores the logistical component of the bilateral defence relationship, enabling the movement of military equipment directly in support of Nigeria’s operational requirements.
Nigeria has continued to seek enhanced international partnerships as its armed forces sustain operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the North-East, North-West and other conflict-affected parts of the country.
AFRICOM’s announcement signals continued U.S. support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and confront terrorism, while reinforcing Washington’s broader security partnership with Abuja.
U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force under FMS agreement
Troops engage suspected local militias, soldier wounded during clearance operation in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have engaged suspected local militia elements in a fierce firefight during a clearance operation at Kogul Village in Muko District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, conducted between Sept. 8 and 9, followed reports of arson, destruction of farmlands and the expulsion of residents from the community.
During the operation, the troops established contact with the suspected militias and engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the criminals to withdraw into the forest.
A soldier, Pte. Husseini Ibrahim, sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the encounter and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for medical attention.
Troops subsequently exploited the general area in an effort to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals and recover their weapons.
However, no further contact was established before the troops returned to base, while operations to track the fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
Troops engage suspected local militias, soldier wounded during clearance operation in Plateau
Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, ammunition courier, logistics supplier in Kaduna
U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers military equipment to Nigerian Air Force under FMS agreement
Troops repel terrorist infiltration attempt on Pulka base, kill one
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