By Jude Opara
The Founder and Chairman of the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO), Hon. Abba Atiku Abubakar has said that there is nothing wrong in his decision to abandon the ambition of his father, Atiku Abubakar, who is also presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to support President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Abba who led some members of the HBTO to the National Secretariait of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said they are mobilizing Nigerians from across the country to ensure the reelection of President Tinubu on the January 16 presidential election.
He further stated that he decided to pitch tent with Tinubu because he was convinced that his economic programmes are what the country needed, if it will truly compete effectively in the comity of nations in future.
The former Vice President’s son added that he was well aware that many people would be surprised at his decision to dump his father, but added that it was a resolution he made out of personal conviction.
“I recognise that political decisions, particularly those that differ from the positions of individuals with whom one shares personal or family relationships, often attract considerable public attention. I am equally conscious that my own political decision may be viewed within this context.
“However, I wish to make one fundamental point: political conviction is a matter of personal judgement, conscience and the freedom of every individual to make independent choices.
“My decision to establish and lead the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation is a deliberate political choice, one I have made in my personal capacity and with a firm belief in the direction we have chosen to pursue. I hold no reservations about the right of others to their differing political opinions, just as I expect my own convictions to be respected.
“Our democracy is strengthened when individuals are free to make independent political choices, engage in constructive dialogue and support the leadership and political platforms they believe best represent their aspirations”.
Abba further explained that the HBTO is a political mobilisation and support group established to bring together Nigerians who share a common conviction in the leadership and reform agenda of President Tinubu and the APC- led administration.
He added that the platform was set up to build a structured, inclusive and nationally coordinated movement capable of mobilising support, engaging communities, communicating government policies and contributing meaningfully to the political process.
On the endorsement of President Tinubu, Abba said while acknowledging the fact that the economic reforms of the administration have brought some hardship on the people, they firmly believe that the future gains will eclipse every pain presently experienced.
“We acknowledge that the reforms have come with difficult adjustments for Nigerians. However, we believe it is equally important to recognise the progress, opportunities and long-term benefits that several of these initiatives are designed to deliver.
“Across different sectors of the economy, the administration has introduced interventions aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and repositioning the country for sustainable growth”.
The HBTO founder gave examples with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the investments in road infrastructure, strengthening of economic activities and the increased revenue allocations to state governments through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Abba equally introduced a transportation support initiative through the initial provision of 10 luxury buses, in support of the activities of the Tinubu administration to ease the challenges being faced by commuters.
The group announced the commencement of a ‘two-million-man mobilisation march across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones’, beginning with Abuja.
“Our immediate mobilisation efforts will focus on supporting the FCT Minister, whom we recognise as a key political leader in our mobilisation structure, in the collective effort to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory in 2027.
“We are also working in alignment with the FCT Minister’s political objective of delivering both the FCT and Rivers State for Mr President in the forthcoming election”, the stated.
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