…donates vehicles to women leaders in non-APC states

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a model for democratic engagement in Nigeria, saying the ruling party has demonstrated that politics can be conducted without rancour or bitterness.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB) at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mrs Tinubu applauded the conduct of the party’s recently concluded primaries, describing the exercise as peaceful and a testament to the APC’s democratic maturity.

The Tinubu Torchbearers, a pro-Tinubu support group, was established to mobilise nationwide support for the administration’s policies, programmes and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the First Lady, the APC has distinguished itself by promoting internal democracy and resolving disagreements through peaceful means.

“Our party has shown the rest of the country that there can be democracy without bitterness. The APC is now the party that shows how to play politics without bitterness,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu commended the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile Idele, and members of the newly inaugurated Tinubu Torchbearers for their commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She urged members of the group to serve as ambassadors of the administration by communicating government policies and achievements responsibly while maintaining civility in political engagements.

The First Lady also announced the donation of vehicles to APC women leaders in states where the party is not currently in power, describing the gesture as part of efforts to strengthen and empower the party’s grassroots structures.

Addressing the beneficiaries, she disclosed that the vehicles would be delivered before the end of the week and would belong to the women leaders personally rather than the party.

“To all our women leaders in states where we do not have APC governors but have committed party members, your vehicles will be ready before the end of the week.

“The vehicles are your personal vehicles. You are not giving them to the party. Register them in your names and use them for the service of the party and your communities,” she said.

Among those listed as beneficiaries were APC women leaders from Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun and Oyo states.

Mrs Tinubu further urged APC governors across the country to emulate the gesture by providing vehicles and other forms of support to women leaders in their respective states.

“This is how we want our women to be treated. I urge our governors to buy vehicles for their women leaders. We are not playing politics like before. We are politicians, and people should see the value in us,” she added.

The First Lady said empowering women remained central to the APC’s vision of inclusive governance, noting that women continue to play a pivotal role in grassroots mobilisation, party building and national development.

She expressed confidence that the Tinubu Torchbearers initiative would strengthen grassroots mobilisation for the APC and deepen public understanding of the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Mrs Tinubu formally inaugurated the Tinubu Torchbearers, describing the platform as a strategic vehicle for promoting national unity, civic participation and the continuity of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also prayed for the success of the initiative and the safety of the beneficiaries of the donated vehicles, expressing optimism that the movement would inspire greater commitment to nation-building across the country.

The APC National Women Leader, Dr Idele, called on women across the country to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing women as the backbone of every successful political movement.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Dr Idele described the inauguration of the Tinubu Torchbearers as timely and strategic, noting that the group would serve as a vibrant platform for grassroots mobilisation, voter education, advocacy and citizen engagement in support of the President’s reform agenda.

The event attracted hundreds of APC stakeholders, women leaders, youth representatives, elected and appointed officials, and party faithful from across the federation.

According to her, the Tinubu Torchbearers have already established structures in all 774 local government areas of the country, positioning the organisation as a formidable grassroots network capable of promoting government programmes and deepening citizen participation.

She commended the leadership of the APC under its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee for strengthening party structures and expanding grassroots participation nationwide.

The APC Women Leader also praised President Tinubu for what she described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria through economic reforms, infrastructure development, social investments, enhanced security and youth empowerment.

“Despite the challenges inherited by this administration, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, determination and exceptional commitment to economic recovery, infrastructure development, social welfare and national security,” she said.

Idele maintained that the administration’s policies are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, creating opportunities for young people and improving citizens’ welfare.

She also lauded the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has positively impacted women, youths, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups across the country.

“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, countless Nigerians have benefited from empowerment programmes, educational support, healthcare interventions and economic opportunities. The initiative has become a beacon of compassion and practical support, bringing government closer to the people,” she stated.

Urging members of the Tinubu Torchbearers to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to every ward, polling unit and community, Idele emphasised the critical role of women in political mobilisation and community development.

“I urge every woman here today to take up the torch of Renewed Hope and carry it to your homes, wards, polling units and communities. Let us engage our neighbours, support our communities, enlighten our citizens and strengthen our grassroots structures,” she said.

The APC Women Leader argued that the case for supporting President Tinubu remains compelling, citing ongoing efforts to tackle long-standing national challenges, stimulate economic recovery, boost agriculture, support local industries and improve security.

She stressed that meaningful national transformation requires time, consistency and steadfast leadership, adding that President Tinubu possesses the vision, experience and political will required to steer Nigeria towards greater prosperity.

Congratulating the leadership and members of the Tinubu Torchbearers on their inauguration, Idele expressed confidence that the organisation would play a significant role in advancing the ideals of good governance, inclusive development and national unity.

She also acknowledged individuals and organisations that supported the establishment of the group, including Chairman of Mater Engineering, Matthew Tonha; Managing Director of Titanel Security, Kirsten Body; and former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.