Uzodimma Mobilises Grassroots Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

OWERRI — Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged to work with the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.

Uzodimma gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during the inauguration of the Imo State chapter of the movement at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu Square, Owerri, where he called on members to work with the state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to promote the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration.

The governor said his administration had assessed the performance of the Federal Government and believed that continuity would enable Tinubu to consolidate the reforms and initiatives introduced since assuming office.

Declaring his administration’s readiness to participate in the mobilisation exercise, Uzodimma said: “We will work with you. We will do the work. We will re-elect the President.”

He described the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as a platform for taking the Federal Government’s policies and achievements directly to Nigerians, particularly residents of communities that might not be adequately reached through conventional political campaigns.

The inauguration represents an expansion of efforts by Tinubu’s supporters to establish a direct engagement structure ahead of the 2027 elections, with Imo State becoming part of the movement’s planned grassroots mobilisation network.

Uzodimma Calls For Party Unity

Uzodimma commended the founder of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Owoizidei Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and members of the organisation for their commitment to publicising the achievements of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to mobilise support across Imo State, linking his administration’s backing for Tinubu’s second-term ambition to its assessment of the President’s performance.

The governor, however, stressed that members of the movement must remain committed to the APC and work in coordination with the party’s leadership in the state.

He warned that members who engaged in coalition activities outside the party’s agreed political direction, whether described as a rainbow coalition or otherwise, would face sanctions.

The position underscores the importance the state APC leadership attaches to internal party discipline as political organisations and support groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election.

Uzodimma also disclosed his determination to participate in the inauguration despite a demanding schedule in Abuja, where he serves as Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council.

During an earlier courtesy visit by members of the movement to his office, the governor thanked them for supporting the APC leadership and the Presidential Campaign Council’s efforts towards Tinubu’s re-election.

He reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the group in extending the party’s message to residents throughout Imo State.

APC Plans Door-To-Door Engagement

Earlier, the Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, announced plans to take the party’s campaign directly to households, marketplaces and communities across the state.

According to him, the strategy is intended to move political engagement beyond rallies and other large gatherings by creating opportunities for party representatives to explain government policies, interact with residents and listen to their concerns.

Onyedebelu said direct engagement would allow the party to communicate its position on economic reforms and development programmes while providing a platform for residents to express their expectations and challenges.

He highlighted several measures introduced by the Tinubu administration, including adjustments to the foreign exchange system, the student loan scheme and the introduction of a N70,000 national minimum wage.

The APC chairman said these initiatives formed part of the administration’s efforts to address economic challenges and establish conditions for improved livelihoods.

He acknowledged, however, that Nigerians continued to face concerns over rising food prices, transportation costs and the general cost of living.

Onyedebelu maintained that the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government could help address these challenges, expressing optimism that Nigerians would begin to experience improved economic conditions.

His remarks placed economic issues at the centre of the proposed door-to-door campaign, suggesting that the movement would need to explain not only the objectives of government policies but also their practical implications for households and small businesses.

For residents, the effects of economic reforms are often assessed through everyday experiences, including the cost of food, access to transportation, employment opportunities, purchasing power and the ability to meet essential expenses.

The proposed grassroots engagement therefore offers the APC an opportunity to communicate its policy positions while hearing directly from communities about the issues they consider most pressing.

Uzodimma’s Infrastructure Record Featured

Beyond the Federal Government’s policies, Onyedebelu also highlighted infrastructure projects undertaken by the Uzodimma administration under its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery (3R) agenda.

He cited the Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Akokwa-Oguta roads among the projects being presented as evidence of the state government’s development efforts.

The APC chairman further referred to more than 150 roads reportedly constructed across Imo State under the administration.

He also cited the Orashi electricity project, which he said had improved power supply and supported economic activities in the state.

The projects are expected to feature in the party’s engagement with residents as it seeks to connect its political message to development initiatives at the state level.

Road infrastructure is particularly important to communities whose economic activities depend on the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, traders and commuters between urban centres and rural settlements.

Improved road networks can reduce travel difficulties and support access to markets and public services, while electricity supply is an important consideration for businesses that depend on reliable power to operate efficiently.

However, the broader significance of such projects to residents is ultimately measured by their accessibility, quality, durability and contribution to economic and social activities.

By bringing these issues into its proposed door-to-door campaign, the APC intends to present the state government’s development record alongside the Federal Government’s policy agenda.

Movement Presents 30 Vehicles

A major feature of the inauguration was the presentation of 30 vehicles to support the movement’s mobilisation activities across Imo State ahead of the 2027 general election.

The vehicles were presented by the movement’s National Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adekanmbi, who said they were provided at the instance of its founder, Tompolo.

Adekanmbi disclosed that Tompolo had directed the establishment of the Imo chapter and pledged support for efforts to mobilise grassroots backing for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

“We have come with vehicles and other resources. These vehicles you have seen, there are 30 of them. We brought them to Imo State to support you in your cause to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The vehicles are expected to facilitate the movement of campaign personnel and support outreach activities across the state, including visits to communities and engagements with residents.

The provision of the vehicles also signals the movement’s intention to establish an operational presence beyond the inauguration ceremony.

Adekanmbi urged members of the newly inaugurated chapter to work closely with the state APC leadership, participate in campaign activities and mobilise residents in support of the President.

He commended Uzodimma for his leadership within the APC and his commitment to Tinubu’s re-election ambition.

The national coordinator also thanked the people of Imo State for what he described as their organic support for APC candidates and for the hospitality extended to members of the movement upon their arrival.

The movement’s effectiveness will depend in part on how its state structure deploys the resources provided, coordinates its members and sustains engagement with communities in the months leading to the election.

Grassroots Politics Takes Centre Stage

The inauguration of the Imo chapter reflects the growing importance of grassroots mobilisation in preparations for the 2027 general election.

Unlike rallies, which typically bring together large crowds at designated venues, door-to-door campaigns are designed to establish direct contact with voters in their homes, workplaces, markets and neighbourhoods.

Such engagement can provide political parties with opportunities to explain their programmes, respond to questions and gather feedback on issues affecting different communities.

For the APC, the strategy offers a means of linking the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda with the development priorities of Imo State, while drawing on the political structure of the state government.

It also places responsibility on campaign representatives to communicate government policies clearly, particularly where the objectives of economic reforms may not yet be fully reflected in the daily experiences of residents.

The cost of living, employment, infrastructure, electricity, access to education and the general economic outlook are among the issues that could shape conversations between campaign representatives and residents.

The door-to-door approach may also enable the party to identify concerns that require specific explanations or policy responses, rather than relying exclusively on broad campaign messages.

For residents, direct engagement creates an opportunity to seek clarification, raise questions and assess the claims presented by political organisations against their personal experiences.

The success of the initiative will therefore depend not only on the number of communities reached or the resources deployed but also on the quality of the conversations and the extent to which residents’ concerns receive meaningful attention.

APC Leaders Attend Inauguration

The inauguration attracted several political leaders and stakeholders from Imo State and other parts of southern Nigeria.

Those present included the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; other members of the state legislature; and former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

APC candidates in forthcoming elections, party leaders, members and supporters also attended the event.

Their presence reflected the involvement of the state’s political leadership in the movement’s establishment and its planned mobilisation activities.

With the Imo chapter now inaugurated and 30 vehicles provided for its operations, the movement is expected to begin coordinating its grassroots activities in collaboration with the state APC leadership.

Uzodimma’s pledge to work with the organisation places the state government firmly behind the initiative, while the APC leadership’s proposed door-to-door strategy is intended to take the party’s message directly to communities.

As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the initiative will provide another platform through which Tinubu’s supporters can present the administration’s record, explain its policies and engage residents on the issues likely to shape political discussions across Imo State.