Odita Sunday 
• Human mascots, SMS mobilisation, Pidgin radio show, jingle headline grassroots drive
• Group cites economic, security, education, infrastructure reforms
Giant, colourful mascots promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid on Wednesday flooded strategic locations across Abuja as the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) commenced its grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of the President.
The street activation, which marked the opening phase of HAI’s multi-platform campaign, saw about 40 human mascots deployed across major roundabouts, markets, motor parks and other high-traffic locations in the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative attracted the attention of motorists, commuters and residents as the mascots moved through parts of the capital carrying banners urging support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The campaign also features a city-wide SMS mobilisation drive, a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme, Wetin Tinubu Don Do Sef, and an original campaign jingle.
In a statement signed by HAI’s Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the organisation said its decision to support Tinubu’s re-election was based on the administration’s “bold reforms and initiatives” which it believes are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic and institutional development.
HAI cited reforms in the petroleum sector, which it said had helped end perennial fuel scarcity and encouraged the growth of private refineries; greater stability in the foreign exchange market; increased government revenue and foreign reserves; efforts to strengthen Local Government autonomy; police and internal security reforms; the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND); tax reforms; and major road infrastructure projects in Abuja and across the country.
“While these reforms have come with short-term challenges, we believe they are difficult but necessary steps towards a more sustainable, prosperous and better governed Nigeria,” the organisation said.
Speaking during the street mobilisation, Omoarelojie said HAI was taking its campaign beyond conventional political gatherings by engaging citizens directly in their communities and public spaces.
He said the organisation’s campaign was focused on encouraging Nigerians to assess the administration based on its policies, programmes and measurable outcomes rather than political sentiments.
“We are asking Nigerians to look beyond sentiment. Let us look at the facts as they are,” he said.
Omoarelojie cited the student loan scheme, economic reforms, foreign exchange management and infrastructure development among areas where the organisation believes the administration has recorded significant progress.
He said the reforms required sustained implementation to achieve their full impact, urging Nigerians to consider the country’s long-term development trajectory ahead of the 2027 election.
As part of the opening phase, HAI also commenced a city-wide SMS mobilisation campaign across Abuja.
The organisation said the initiative would provide a direct digital channel for communicating its campaign messages to residents and would form the first stage of a broader mobilisation programme expected to expand as the 2027 election approaches.
Another major component is Wetin Tinubu Don Do Sef, a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme that explains government policies, programmes and projects in simple, relatable terms.
Each episode will focus on a specific policy area, examine its impact and explain how citizens may benefit from relevant initiatives.
The programme will feature a host and regular guest or co-host, with expert perspectives, citizen voices and practical examples incorporated where appropriate.
HAI said the programme would be syndicated across selected radio stations nationwide to broaden its reach.
The organisation will also introduce an original campaign jingle inspired by the tradition of memorable Nigerian political campaign anthems, including the widely remembered Hope ’93 campaign associated with the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
HAI said the professionally produced jingle would reinforce the campaign’s identity and messaging and be deployed across radio and other appropriate platforms.
HAI said the August 19 activation represented only the first phase of a broader campaign combining grassroots mobilisation, traditional media, digital communication and public engagement.
Subsequent phases, it said, would focus on communicating the administration’s policies and programmes across key sectors, including the economy, education, security and infrastructure.
The organisation said particular attention would be given to NELFUND, economic reforms, security sector initiatives, road infrastructure and other programmes which it believes deserve greater public awareness and informed public discussion.
Omoarelojie said the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the country’s direction and determine whether the current administration deserved another mandate.
He urged citizens to engage with the issues and to evaluate the administration’s record on its policies and their impact, rather than political rhetoric.
The August 19 activation marks the commencement of HAI’s sustained grassroots campaign in support of President Tinubu’s re-election as the organisation prepares to expand its mobilisation and public engagement activities across the country.
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