The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday launched the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB), a political mobilisation group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite mounting criticism over her continued participation in political and public events while schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity.
The launch, held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is aimed at strengthening grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
The First Lady has come under criticism in recent weeks over what critics describe as her silence on the plight of the abducted schoolchildren and her decision to continue attending political and ceremonial engagements.
Last week, she faced backlash after travelling in a convoy reportedly comprising more than 50 vehicles during an event in Ekiti State. Critics argued that the display was insensitive at a time when concerns over insecurity and the fate of the kidnapped children dominate public discourse.
She also attracted criticism during her visit to Lagos for the Muslim holiday, where she was again seen moving with a large convoy.
Her continued attendance at political events has further fuelled criticism from Nigerians who believe she should be using her position to draw greater attention to the schoolchildren’s ordeal and the broader security challenges facing the country.
Some critics have accused the First Lady of prioritising political mobilisation and her husband’s re-election prospects over the deteriorating security situation and the safe return of the abducted children.
Despite the criticism, Mr Tinubu proceeded with the launch of the Tinubu Torchbearers initiative and called on women across the country to become advocates for the administration’s achievements and policies.
“Women are the heartbeat of our communities. I charge every Tinubu Torchbearer to tell our story – clearly, respectfully and relentlessly,” she said.
She described the TTB as a movement anchored on service, patriotism and collective responsibility, stressing that women remain central to grassroots mobilisation for the administration’s reform agenda.
According to her, the government’s ongoing reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and job creation require strong public awareness and community engagement to gain broader acceptance.
“We did not come to occupy offices for namesake. President Tinubu set out to reposition Nigeria with bold reforms,” she said.
She added that grassroots platforms like the TTB were critical to translating government policies into real-life impact for citizens.
The First Lady also commended APC women for their role during recent party primaries, describing the process as largely peaceful and a demonstration of internal party stability.
In a notable announcement, she pledged personal vehicles to APC women leaders in Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun and Oyo states, saying the gesture was intended to strengthen their grassroots activities.
“These vehicles are for you as individuals. Register them in your name. They are not party property,” she said.
Speaking at the event, APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile Idele, said the TTB initiative would deepen grassroots mobilisation across the country’s 774 local government areas through advocacy, voter education and civic engagement.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said ongoing reforms in the ministry were targeted at improving child protection, ending child marriage and expanding women’s economic empowerment. She added that a proposed universal cash grant for children was currently under technical design.
Also speaking, APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr Benjamin Nwoye, who represented the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the initiative as a strong platform for deepening grassroots support for the administration’s policies.
