2027 polls: Group urges students to support Tinubu’s re-election

A pro-Tinubu group, Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), has urged Nigerian students to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing the student loan program and other government education reforms.

The group made the call during an awareness program at the University of Abuja, where they urged students to evaluate the administration’s policies and resist misinformation on social media.

The organization also called on students to actively participate in the electoral process, arguing that continuity of government policies would benefit young Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, RTIFN National Director of Town Hall and Engagements, Dr Ibrahim Farida, said Nigeria had about 46.7 million students across the country and abroad, many of whom had the right to vote.

He said the group was visiting universities to encourage students to look beyond campus politics and take an interest in governance and national development.

“The purpose of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria is to tell them that politics should not be limited to the school system. They should aspire within the system to ensure that good governance is implemented,” Farida said.

He urged students to take advantage of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides eligible students with interest-free loans to support their education.

Farida also called on students to vote in 2027, saying the continuation of government policies is important for their future.

“In 2027, students, 46.7 million, should come out and continue to vote because we want the NELFUND reforms to continue,” he said.

He cautioned students against supporting policy alternatives without considering possible implications for existing educational programs.

“What about you, me, my children and your children? That’s why we are going through all the universities,” he added.

Farida said the group, founded by a young Nigerian lawyer, is working with the City Boy Movement to raise awareness among students in the country’s universities.

Previously, RTIFN Director General Ahmed Bala said the federal government had introduced initiatives to improve access to education, empower youth and expand employment opportunities.

Bala said the student loan program was designed to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

He also highlighted government programs focusing on digital skills, entrepreneurship and innovation, urging students to take advantage of the opportunities.

“Government programs can only achieve their full impact when students are adequately informed and take advantage of the opportunities available to them,” he said.

He urged students to take their education seriously, embrace innovation and develop relevant skills to prepare for the future.

“Our message is simple. Your education matters. Your future matters. Your contribution to Nigeria matters,” Bala said.

Also speaking, RTIFN National Director for Student and Youth Engagement and Mobilization, Comrade Adakole Ochai, said the organization was campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election by highlighting what he described as the administration’s achievements.

Ochai said the University of Abuja program was the first of a planned national campaign to sensitize students on the NELFUND program and other government policies.

He said the group plans to extend the campaign to the six geopolitical zones, states and university campuses.

“We intend to tell students to make sure they are not used as political tools and not to let them believe everything they see on social media,” Ochai said.

He added that the organization recognized the economic hardships Nigerians face, but expressed optimism that conditions would improve.

“We know what is happening, just like the President always assures us. So, we are assuring Nigerian students to relax, calm down. Things are improving. It will take some time, but it will definitely improve,” he said.