By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Key political stakeholders, grassroots organisers, and community leaders and professionals across the federation have formally launched Nigeria Forward (NF), a strategic mass movement dedicated to driving public engagement and building momentum for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking at the inauguration of the movement as a co-convener, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh (SAN) called for support for the re-election of Tinubu to sustain the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Udeh urged the public, especially Northern Nigeria, to look beyond political slogans and demand accountability by evaluating concrete infrastructure and economic projects.

“A road is more than an asphalt when it enables a farmer to reach a market A railway is more than steel and tracks when it reduces the cost of moving goods.

“Reliable energy is more than electricity when it allows a manufacturer to produce competitively. And digital connectivity is more than infrastructure when it enables a young Nigerian… to participate in the global digital economy,” he said.

He described the movement as a crucial bridge designed to connect the administration’s policies directly to the Nigerian people.

 

Udeh said that the developmental progress of the country relies on informed citizenship and active participation.

 

“This is a platform founded on the proposition that these are shared and collective responsibilities to sustain the emerging gains of the Renewed Hope reform initiated by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

 

“Included is standing with our progressive President to ensure continuity and consolidation.”

 

 

 

Highlighting the structural leadership of the initiative, Udeh stressed that Nigeria Forward is driven by grassroots actors, communication experts, and regional representatives.

 

“The Nigeria we seek is one where our people are not merely spectators to development, but active participants in it,” he noted.

 

“It is important that we engage with Nigerian citizens from the bottom-up across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria as it relates to how the developmental trajectory of this government… is impacting on them.”

 

The Minister called on members of the movement across all wards and communities nationwide to project the administration’s achievements, address localised challenges, and mobilise grassroots support to secure a renewed mandate for President Tinubu.

“Our mobilisation must contribute to building of the dreams of our forefathers and, of course, making reality the visions of our young and entrepreneurial citizenship by supporting the re-election of our President come January 2027.

“I, therefore, commend the founders and members of Nigeria Forward for taking this step, and urge us all to make our motto—‘Together, We Move Nigeria Forward’—not merely a slogan, but a commitment to service, citizenship, and national development.”

The Co-founder of NF and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Waiya, urged Nigerians especially political actor in the not to allow president Tinubu conclude two tenure for the south.

Waiya noting that fomrer President, Late Muhammadu Buhari completed the right hears two tenure for the north, said equity demanded that the north also allow Tinubu to complete two tenures for the south, before power return to the north.

The commissioners urged Nigerians to give the administration of President Tinubu a fair chance to consolidate on political stability and administrative reforms.

He listed Tinubu’s achievements to include local government autonomy, the timely disbursement of federal funds to sub-national governments and unifying the country despite historical agitations across various geopolitical zones.

He said that Nigeria was gradually becoming more united, a feat that requires collective commitment to sustain.

“There have been so many agitators from the South-West, South-East, North, and South—so many in different regions of the country.

“But for now, we can say the country is gradually becoming more united day by day, and this is something that we can all actually fight for,” Waiya stated.

He added that state governors are currently receiving up to 100 to 200 per cent more in federal allocations compared to past disbursements, advising state and local governments should be held accountable for development within their domains rather than laying all blame on the central government.

Waiya also commended the administration’s policy framework towards establishing state police, describing it as a needed solution to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

“This is one measure aimed at providing a permanent solution to the security challenges we are facing in the country.

“The state police structure will allow states to employ indigenous citizens who understand their local terrain and internal security problems better,” he added.

He, however, said that democracy is a social contract that requires active civic engagement rather than passive criticism on social media.

He called on Nigerians to transition from mere talk to actionable advocacy by demanding accountability from those in authority.

He siad that the “Nigeria Forward” initiative will serve as a platform to educate citizens on constructive advocacy, ensuring that public policies reflect the genuine needs of the people.

Executive Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Mallam Munir Haidara, called on well-meaning Nigerians to join the movement in promoting a united, peaceful, prosperous, and forward-looking nation

Haidara who is a leader in NF described the initiative as a collective movement aimed at driving peace, economic stability, and national progress.

According to Haidara, the initiative brings together citizens and key stakeholders committed to constructive engagement, dialogue, and collaborative progress.

“Today provides an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to national unity, inclusive development, responsible citizenship, and the collective progress of Nigeria,” Haidara stated.

“Nigeria Forward is conceived as a platform for constructive engagement, mobilization, and collaboration among citizens committed to peace, stability, and sustainable national development.”

The unveiling event attracted notable dignitaries, including the Director-General of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI); and the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other political leaders.