By Ediin Robinson
The Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Royal Highness Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo, has called for national unity and a collective commitment to Nigeria’s development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arigbabuwo made the call on Saturday at a Grand Solidarity Conference organized by Grant Ecosystem Subscribers in support of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. The event was held at Old Soldier Agwa Villa, GRA, Kaduna.
The conference’s theme was “Renewed Hope Agenda: Consolidating Unity and Victory for APC 2027.” It brought together traditional leaders, clerics, support groups, and stakeholders from across the country.
The traditional ruler, who hosted the gathering, said Nigeria’s future depends on citizens’ ability to rise above ethnic and religious differences and work together for the common good.
According to him, unity remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development, peace, and progress, especially as the country moves toward another election cycle.
Arigbabuwo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, courage, vision, and commitment to national progress. He commended what he described as decisive actions to confront difficult national challenges.
He also acknowledged the contributions, dedication, and support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other stakeholders in advancing the administration’s vision.
Speaking at the conference, Rev. Moses Terkaa Chooji, popularly known as Rev. Moses from Abuja, urged Nigerians to assess the Tinubu administration based on its antecedents, leadership disposition, and commitment to national development.
“These three and a half years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been laying the foundation of a prosperous Nigeria. Let him complete the house,” he said.
Chooji called on residents of Plateau, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kogi states to mobilize support for Tinubu ahead of 2027 and urged eligible voters to exercise their franchise.
He described the Grand Ecosystem as a network that emerged from grant-related activities around 2015 and 2016, with an estimated membership of 130 to 150 million subscribers across the six geopolitical zones.
He said the network has significant potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development if properly recognized. He urged the federal and Kaduna state governments, under Governor Uba Sani, to engage the group.
Also speaking, Apostle Charles Oke advocated a shift from an economy largely dependent on the collection and distribution of resource revenues to one driven by industrialization, technology, and manufacturing.
Citing China’s economic transformation as an example, Oke said strategic planning and industrial development could reposition Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ living conditions.
In her remarks, Mrs. Jumia Sarki stressed that political support must go hand in hand with accountability and effective implementation of government policies.
She urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign by mobilizing neighbors, engaging communities at the grassroots, and communicating the benefits of government programs.
The conference also featured remarks from Philip K. Peter, leader of the North-East Support Group, who reaffirmed the group’s solidarity with the President’s second-term ambition.
The program featured the procession of the host and his entourage, opening prayers by Christian and Muslim clerics, the national anthem, introductions of dignitaries, goodwill messages, cultural performances by Yoruba and Hausa troupes, and an official declaration of support for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Governor Uba Sani.
