A new grassroots political movement, the Yoruba Forum for Asiwaju (YFFA), has been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The inauguration, held in Abuja, brought together Yoruba stakeholders from the 62 political wards and six Area Councils of the FCT, as well as political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, artisans, market women and youth groups, reflecting broad-based participation across the community.
The event commenced with Christian, Muslim and traditional prayers, highlighting the Yoruba people’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the inauguration, the convener of the forum and Senior Special Assistant to the President on community engagements (North Central), Hon. Dr Chief Mrs Abiodun Essiet, said the initiative was established to strengthen grassroots participation in the democratic process while consolidating support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She disclosed that many Yoruba residents in the FCT had already obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for the 2027 general election.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Michael Tomori, described the inauguration as the beginning of a coordinated grassroots movement aimed at promoting unity and increasing political participation within the Yoruba community.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT, Hon. Tanko Ishaku Yamawo, welcomed the initiative and pledged the party’s support. Similarly, the APC FCT Women Leader, Hajiya Farida Odengi, encouraged women to remain actively involved in the political process.
As part of its empowerment initiative, the Forum presented grants of ₦50,000 each to 50 market women to support and expand their businesses, demonstrating its commitment to combining economic empowerment with community engagement.
The organisation also inaugurated coordinators for Abuja North, Abuja South, the six Area Councils and all 62 political wards in the FCT. The coordinators received certificates of appointment to oversee grassroots mobilisation within their respective areas.
In addition, the Convener announced a donation of ₦5 million to the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors to support their community engagement activities. Receiving the donation, the group’s Coordinator and former Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, expressed appreciation and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to sustained grassroots mobilisation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Yoruba Council of Elders and the newly inaugurated coordinators, who pledged to promote unity, civic participation and inclusive engagement as part of efforts to strengthen democratic participation ahead of future elections.
