George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has directed heads of federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to initiate grassroots campaigns to mobilize 10 million votes for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The directive, issued during a meeting with the Forum of CEOs of Federal Parastatals on Friday, aims to counter disinformation and promote the administration’s policy achievements. Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, emphasized the importance of grassroots communication in correcting false narratives about economic reforms. "This reform policy is not meant to imprison or impoverish Nigerians," he stated, urging agencies to disseminate accurate information to the public.",
The Forum of CEOs of Federal Parastatals, led by Convener/Chairman Kazeem Raji, CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), has been tasked with mobilizing 10 million votes for Tinubu. Raji confirmed the group’s commitment to lawful, ethical, and issue-based grassroots engagement, leveraging the networks of federal agencies to bridge the gap between government policies and public understanding. The forum’s efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to highlight measurable outcomes and reforms through transparent communication.
Akume commended the Forum for organizing into a cohesive body and conferred upon him the title of Grand Patron of the group. He assured institutional support from the Office of the SGF (OSGF) to achieve the 10 million-vote target, stressing the need for structured collaboration. Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs, Chidiebere Ezeamama, urged the Forum to establish a real-time communication network with the OSGF, proposing a centralized digital platform to streamline information sharing, coordinate inter-agency efforts, and track developmental milestones.
The SGF’s directive comes amid broader efforts to strengthen public trust in the administration. Akume highlighted that the Forum’s role as a "work-related communication network" is critical to ensuring policy achievements are documented and disseminated accurately. He reiterated the importance of correcting misinformation, particularly regarding economic reforms, which have faced criticism from segments of the public. The Forum’s strategy includes engaging communities through professional and civic networks to amplify the administration’s message.
Other developments in the news include legal challenges facing former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu, as well as the Nigerian Immigration Service extending its UK passport intervention exercise to October 30. The federal government also evacuated 105 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, while the National Hydro-Electric Power Council (NiHMEC) prioritized reversing $1 billion in crude losses from metering gaps as a key agenda for 2026.
The SGF’s push for grassroots mobilization underscores the political significance of the 2027 election, with federal agencies playing a pivotal role in shaping public perception. As the campaign gains momentum, the focus remains on balancing policy communication with the need to address public concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.