2027: Remi Tinubu visits Borno, Kano, Kaduna in 1 week

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has visited three northern states within a week to launch palliative and empowerment initiatives, a move analysts said may signal an early campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. Campaign for 2027 elections by political parties is scheduled to commence in August 2026, according to revised timetable and […]

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has visited three northern states within a week to launch palliative and empowerment initiatives, a move analysts said may signal an early campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Campaign for 2027 elections by political parties is scheduled to commence in August 2026, according to revised timetable and schedule of activities released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On Thursday, the first lady flagged off the distribution of N1.2 billion and 100 trucks of rice to vulnerable Muslim communities across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Pictures of Remi and President Bola Tinubu were emblazoned on the bags of rice displayed during the flag-off.

The intervention is the latest in a string of outreach programmes by the First Lady. On Monday, she launched the National Community Food Bank Programme in Borno State.

Before then, she also unveiled the North-West zonal phase of the ‘Energised Commercialisation Now’ initiative under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Kano State last Thursday.

Political analysts said the scale, visibility and ceremonial nature of the visits—alongside prominent political figures who received and accompanied her—suggest the engagements may not be entirely free of political undertones.

Some of the dignitaries in attendance included the governors of Jigawa, Imo, and Yobe states; the Deputy Senate President; Shehu Sani; and several serving and former National Assembly members.

Wives of some serving governors, including the wife of the Gombe State Governor and the wife of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, were also present.

Our correspondents observed that many of the dignitaries at the event wore regalia symbolizing their support for President Bola Tinubu and the APC. Political songs were also played throughout the event, which was held at the newly opened Banquet Hall at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. 

 

‘A gesture of solidarity’ 

Speaking at the flag off of the distribution of N1.2bn and 100 trucks of rice, the First Lady described the intervention as “a gesture of solidarity” with the Muslim Ummah as they prepare for Eid-el-Kabir.

She explained that the initiative was designed to translate the values of compassion and gratitude associated with the season into tangible support for vulnerable households.

“Compassion and gratitude, through this intervention, translate the message of the season into palliatives for vulnerable Muslim communities across all Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.

The First Lady noted that the items would be distributed through already established state coordinating committees to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries, adding, “May this Eid-el-Kabir be a season of joy, mercy, and abundance for every Muslim community.”

She also stressed the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, commending Kaduna State for its example across religious and ethnic lines.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said the initiative reflects compassionate leadership and a commitment to national unity.

“Together, President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady exemplify a model of leadership anchored in service, compassion, and national unity,” he said.

Sani added that Kaduna State remains committed to easing hardship through targeted interventions and inclusive policies and urged Muslims to imbibe the values of patience and unity during the Eid period.

Shaikh Haliru Maraya, who spoke at the event on behalf of the Muslim Intellectual Scholars Forum, commended the President for some of his gestures and appointments to Northerners.

He expressed confidence that Northerners would support the re-election bid of President Tinubu in the next general elections, especially in light of efforts to address insecurity in the region, adding that the President had done well for the region.

“If you consider this part of the country, especially in terms of appointments, you will see that, as far as Islam is concerned, the most critical responsibilities in human society revolve around food security and the security of lives and property.

“From this region, the Minister of State for Defence comes from here. The National Security Adviser is also from this part of the country. When you look at the agricultural sector, the Minister of Agriculture has been appointed from the northern part of the country by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“In addition, the Minister of State for Agriculture is also of northern extraction. When it comes to the establishment of universities, as earlier mentioned by Honourable Sa’idu Jaji, the late Ahmadu Bello Sardauna established Ahmadu Bello University after spending eight years and three days in office,” Maraya said.

 

President’s wife launches project in Kano

Last Thursday, Remi Tinubu launched ‘Energize Commercialisation now (ECoN) at the Government House, Kano, promising that the federal government would pursue productivity, growth and global leadership by effectively commercialising its vast research and innovative outputs across all sectors and regions and demographics.

“This means that we will be committed to translating ideas into tangible economic values, driving enterprise, creating jobs and growing our GDP,” she added.

The event was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Minister of Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, among others.  

Senator Tinubu insisted that Nigeria is rich in creativity but regretted that “in our universities and among the youths, great ideas are being born every day, but many of these ideas do not become real-world solutions.

“This is not because the ideas are not good enough but largely due to the challenges common to emerging economies,” she explained.

She affirmed that despite the limitations, Nigerian innovators still stand tall globally, adding that the stories of Nigerian entrepreneurs had confirmed that so much could be attained when innovation meets opportunity.

In his remarks, Ude said unveiling of the ‘Energizecommercialisenow’ was a clear testament to the commitment of the federal government to deploy science, technology and innovation to drive the realisation of a one-trillion-dollar GDP economy for Nigeria.

He explained that the idea was borne out of a critical national reflection, noting that for decades, Nigeria has produced brilliant research outcomes and ground-breaking innovations, many of which were trapped in laboratories as inventors struggled to access markets and financing.

 

Unveils food bank in Borno

The First Lady on Monday unveiled the National Community Food Bank Programme in the North-East and commissioned some newly constructed projects of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Senator Tinubu, who flagged off the initiative in Maiduguri, said the programme was aimed at combating acute malnutrition and food insecurity.

“Your Excellencies and guests, it is a great honour and privilege to be here. This will be the first assignment while we are here in Borno State for our children and mothers.

“I have the honour to commission the National Community Food Bank Programme in the North-East to the glory of God,” she said.

She noted that the choice of Borno for the unveiling of North-East programmes was based on the security challenges facing the state.

“This programme will complement the state government’s effort to improve access to nutritious food, especially for women and children.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank the governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for contributing N500 million to the Trust fund of NCFBP, and I also donated the sum of N500 million.”

“It’s designed to ensure that vulnerable children under the age of six, pregnant women and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food, therefore restoring hope where it’s most needed.

“This initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, healthcare and advancing a prosperous Nigeria,” she added.

She flagged off the distribution of sewing machines and grants of N100,000 each to 2,000 vulnerable women.

Mrs Tinubu, on behalf of the state, presented brand new cars to overall teachers, headteachers, principals, coordinators, education secretary, education director, and a house to a dedicated security man that served the state for 50 years, with a personal donation of N2 million to the security.

Earlier, Zulum assured continued support to the initiative through women empowerment and other economic inclusions.

He thanked President Tinubu for the recent approval of N68 billion as operational support and maintenance of the Maiduguri Power Plant to ensure a stable electricity supply in Borno.

He also assured that the President’s gesture to Borno State would translate into massive votes in 2027.

The governor led the first lady to commission Nursing quarters, which was named after her. She also commissioned the newly constructed Abbaganaram ultramodern Junior and Secondary School in Maiduguri.

 

Visits have political undertone – Analysts

A public analyst, Dr Kabiru Sa’id Sufi, maintained that the recent visits of the First Lady to some northern states, though officially presented as engagements, have a political undertone.

He noted that the pomp and pageantry that accompanied the visits, as well as the prominent role played by politicians in welcoming and escorting her, suggested that the trips were not entirely devoid of political motives. 

“Even though they were made official, one cannot rule out the political undertone to the visits. The role played by politicians in welcoming her and moving along with her to official engagements shows there may be political motives, perhaps to further engage politicians,” he said.

He explained that the visits came at a time when some groups had raised concerns about marginalization of the north in terms of projects announced by the presidency.

According to him, the trips could be seen as an attempt to reassure the states visited of their relevance within the Tinubu administration. 

“Politicians are all scrambling to show their relevance and their closeness to her as the First Lady of the country,” he added.

On whether the visits offered any advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Sufi said it provided an opportunity for different camps within the party to close ranks. 

“At least it becomes an avenue through which various camps within the APC usually bury their differences. You will see them coming together, laughing, and engaging, each one trying to show that all is well. In that regard, one can say it forges a sense of unity among APC camps, despite the political differences in almost every state,” he said.

Malam Garba Muhammad, a Kaduna-based political analyst, said that such actions are politically motivated.

“These people are moving helter-skelter in search of opportunities to promote their interests, and the Sallah celebration appears to be one such opportunity.

“The same pattern was observed when she visited Plateau and Borno, where money was also distributed, especially in Jos. Now that elections are approaching, they are leaning toward distributing rice to Muslims.

“Unfortunately, the First Lady is the one moving around, possibly on behalf of her husband. But I think this is a political gimmick, and I do not believe it will work with Northerners. What happens after the food is consumed?” he asked.

 

‘An attempt to woo voters’

Multala Abubakar, convener of the Arewa Defence League, said the First Lady’s visits to the northern states did not come as a surprise to anyone familiar with political traditions during campaign seasons.

He said, “Politicians from all strata often come out to identify with the people and show solidarity. This is part of that pattern. She did the same during Christmas last year, so she does not want Muslims to raise eyebrows and ask why such gestures only occur during Christian festivities and not during Muslim seasons.

“I think, with the campaigns approaching, she is trying to demonstrate that her gestures are not limited to Christians during Christmas. Even during Salah, such actions can be reflected.

“However, what may surprise you is that many people see this as an afterthought, even though this is the period when such support is most needed. Beyond this, Nigerians have become more aware. They have outgrown symbolic gestures meant to demonstrate that leaders care about their plight.

“If she truly wants to identify with the masses, she should speak out when there are anti-people policies that push citizens into poverty, create uncertainty, and worsen displacement caused by insurgency.

“She should visit places like Zamfara and other areas facing insecurity. These are the places where we expect to see her, to show solidarity and assure the people that the government is addressing their challenges. To us, this is not something anyone should take credit for. It is just one way of trying to influence people ahead of elections.”