2027: Tompolo’s Movement Launches Gombe Chapter, Deploys 26 Campaign Vehicles

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a political group campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, has inaugurated its Gombe State chapter and presented 26 vehicles to boost grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general elections.

The movement, founded by Niger Delta businessman Government Oweizide-Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, inaugurated the chapter on Tuesday, with the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Kestin Pondi, representing the founder.

At the event, Mr Pondi commended Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his administration’s infrastructure projects, saying the governor’s performance could strengthen the All Progressives Congress’s electoral prospects in the state.

He attributed the increased resources available to state governments for development to President Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, arguing that the policy had made more funds available for distribution to the states.

“These things will not happen if you, as the governor and chief steward of Gombe State, do not decide to put those monies to good use,” Mr Pondi said.

He praised the Gombe State Government’s road construction projects, particularly efforts to connect communities, describing them as evidence of governance that could help promote the President’s development agenda.

“Your Excellency, sir, if every governor is doing what you are doing in Gombe State today, we will not be working so hard to campaign because you are the campaign that the people need,” he said.

Mr Pondi said the 26 vehicles would strengthen the movement’s door-to-door campaign and enable its members to reach more communities, engage voters and communicate the administration’s policies, particularly to young people.

He urged Governor Yahaya to provide the group with the necessary guidance and support to coordinate its activities across the state.

“We will hand over the vehicles to you so that you can work with the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement. Grant them the enabling environment, guide them and tell them who to meet. Use them as your team,” he said.

The Tantita managing director also called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, expressing confidence that the movement’s grassroots strategy would help mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Movement targets grassroots support

The National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Sunday Asuku, said the organisation intended to advance its political objectives through direct engagement with voters and community-level mobilisation.

However, parts of Mr Asuku’s remarks referred to former President Goodluck Jonathan, including appeals for another four-year term and support for Jonathan in 2027. The statements appeared inconsistent with the movement’s declared support for President Tinubu, and the discrepancy could not be clarified from the available transcript.

Governor Yahaya welcomed the inauguration of the movement’s state chapter, linking Gombe’s development priorities to policies introduced by the Federal Government.

He described Gombe as an important agricultural state, highlighting the contributions of farmers, livestock producers, processors and young people involved in agricultural activities.

“Gombe is a gem in Nigeria, an agricultural and agrarian state. All these people that you see are very happy to key into the agenda of the President,” the governor said.

Mr Yahaya also highlighted ongoing and proposed road projects designed to improve connections between Gombe and neighbouring states.

He said his administration had been seeking federal support for infrastructure development to improve transportation links, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth.

The governor further mentioned the proposed federal cargo airport, describing improved infrastructure as essential to expanding agricultural activities and supporting other sectors of the state’s economy.

The launch of the movement’s Gombe chapter adds to political mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, as supporters of President Tinubu seek to strengthen the ruling party’s grassroots presence.