Deputy Speaker Calls for Mobilization Ahead of Presidential Election
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) to rally over 150 million supporters nationwide in preparation for the re-election campaign of President Bola Tinubu. This call to action was made during Kalu’s meeting with a delegation of aid groups from Edo, Ekiti, and Katsina states in Abuja.
Engagement with Local Communities for Political Support
The meeting served as a prelude to the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aimed at ensuring that the “New Hope Partners” initiative is poised to advocate for President Tinubu’s “New Hope” agenda across the country. As the founder of RHP, Kalu emphasized its mission: to enhance government performance, bolster democracy in Nigeria, and secure a prosperous future for the nation.
A Grassroots Approach to Advocacy
Kalu challenged the group to actively disseminate the “New Hope” agenda, encouraging them to establish a presence in local markets, places of worship, transportation hubs, and educational campuses throughout Nigeria. He highlighted the significance of engaging communities by stating, “This initiative speaks to the future of Nigeria. What we do today shapes our country for the years to come.”
Expanding the Network Across Nigeria
The Deputy Speaker detailed plans to create campus branches in every university and establish a presence in every significant market and local government area. He asserted the importance of being visible wherever citizens congregate, expressing a desire for the agenda to permeate discussions in diverse gatherings.
Strategies to Increase Public Awareness
Kalu urged the team to make President Tinubu’s agenda accessible and relevant to everyday citizens. He stressed the necessity of breaking down complex policies into understandable formats to enhance voter awareness and participation. With an ambitious goal of recruiting 150 million online supporters, Kalu noted the promising initial registration numbers, indicating a growing resonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda among the electorate.
Future Mandates and Legislative Support
Kalu pointed out that the group’s objectives extend beyond the upcoming election cycle, highlighting their role in lobbying for crucial legislative initiatives, including the Women’s Reserve Seats Bill and promoting local government autonomy. He described the RHP members as change agents and nation builders, calling upon all supporters of President Tinubu to collaborate in advancing Nigeria’s interests.
Progress Report and Membership Expansion Efforts
During the meeting, Matthias Ehizua, the national coordinator of the RHP, shared an update on the group’s activities. He noted that the RHP distinguishes itself as the only advocacy organization with an online database for member registration, facilitating the president’s initiatives effectively. Additionally, Elder Kayode Eso, General Secretary of the RHP in Ekiti State, highlighted commitments from local coordinators in Katsina and Edo states to expand membership across all voting units and local government areas. Mr. Armstrong Adigba, the Edo State Coordinator, reported a rapid registration of 11,800 members within just two months, with other organizations eager to affiliate with the RHP.
