Tinubu Hosts APC Social Media Loyalists at Presidential Villa, Charges Them to ‘Do More’ Ahead of 2027 Election
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed a group of All Progressives Congress (APC) loyalists, who form the ruling party’s digital media campaign backbone, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, according to sources close to the administration, was part of a calculated strategy by the President to solidify his digital base and bolster preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
These social media influencers—commonly referred to as Tinubu’s “foot soldiers”—were flown into Abuja on government-sponsored flights and lodged at the luxurious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, all expenses paid. Their mission? To amplify and defend the Tinubu administration across social media platforms, often in the face of mounting criticism over economic hardship, insecurity, and general governance concerns.
President Tinubu, while addressing the delegates at the closed-door event, reportedly expressed gratitude for their work in “shaping public perception” in his favour and praised their “loyalty and consistency in defending the party’s vision.” He ended his remarks with a simple yet telling phrase: “Well done, do more.”
The gathering, masked under the pretext of an “APC New Media Conference,” has raised eyebrows among political observers and opposition figures. Critics have described the event as a taxpayer-funded retreat designed not for governance brainstorming, but for political propaganda and campaign strategy disguised as party business.
“This is not just optics—it’s tactical groundwork for 2027,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity. “What Tinubu is doing is what every seasoned politician does—rallying the troops early, especially in a climate where the opposition is fragmented and unsure of its direction.”
Each participant is also expected to receive a “hefty envelope” as part of what is being described by insiders as an “appreciation package” from the ruling party.
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While Tinubu consolidates his base, the opposition appears caught in the grip of an identity crisis. The much-touted opposition coalition—comprising supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party—has become mired in intra-party bickering and ideological discord.
For the past two weeks, social media has been awash with insults, infighting, and mutual accusations between supporters of Obi and Atiku. While their online communities descend into acrimony, Tinubu and the APC are leveraging unity, loyalty, and an expansive patronage network to quietly fortify their political structure for the next election cycle.
“This should worry anyone who genuinely believes Nigeria needs a change in leadership,” said one civil society activist reacting to the development. “While the opposition tears itself apart online, the ruling party is organizing, spending, and preparing.”
Observers have long noted that President Tinubu, regardless of his controversial governance record, remains a master of political strategy and patronage. His understanding of Nigeria’s political terrain—where loyalty, access, and timing often outweigh ideological purity—is unmatched among his contemporaries.
“Tinubu does not believe in political naivety,” one veteran journalist observed. “He knows Nigerian politics is not a debate hall. It’s a battle ground. He’s a pragmatist to the core. That’s why he keeps winning.”
The journalist contrasted Tinubu’s style with that of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as “idealists,” adding that “while they build castles in the air about what governance should look like, Tinubu builds war rooms on how to win power—and then consolidate it.”
Many critics and neutral observers alike have warned that unless the opposition forms a credible, cohesive, and structured front, Tinubu is well-positioned to secure a second term in 2027.
“It’s ironic that Obi and Atiku supporters are fighting each other on Twitter while forgetting that their real opponent is in Aso Rock—and he’s not sleeping,” a political strategist told this reporter.
According to him, the real threat to democracy isn’t necessarily APC dominance, but “opposition disunity fueled by ego, tribal sentiment, and lack of strategy.”
“The day the opposition realises that their real opponent is Bola Tinubu—and not each other—is the day they will stand a chance. Until then, Tinubu will continue to play them like a fiddle.”
The news of government-funded luxury accommodation and allowances for social media loyalists comes at a time when most Nigerians are grappling with the effects of economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, a weakened naira, rising inflation, and worsening insecurity in various parts of the country.
“This is a slap in the face of suffering Nigerians,” said a Twitter user. “They tell us to tighten our belts while they fly influencers into Abuja and feed them with our taxes. Where’s the justice in that?”
Another social media user wrote: “They are spending money on online propaganda when schools are shutting down and hospitals are underfunded. Is this the renewed hope they promised us?”
Despite these criticisms, the Tinubu-led administration appears focused and unshaken in its re-election ambition. By hosting and incentivizing his digital warriors, the President is laying the foundation for a robust, coordinated online and offline campaign that mirrors the strategies that helped him clinch the presidency in 2023.
And while the opposition continues to fumble and feud, the APC machine grinds steadily forward—reminiscent of the popular saying: “You don’t change a winning strategy.”
Whether the opposition can muster the discipline, unity, and strategic foresight to counter Tinubu’s pragmatism remains one of the most pressing questions in Nigeria’s political future.
But for now, one thing is clear: Tinubu is playing to win—and he’s several moves ahead.