NIS DG Shaibu hosts Seyi Tinubu group, backs President’s 2027 re-election

Spread the word The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, urging young Nigerians to remain united, disciplined and actively involved in political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shaibu made the call on Monday October 26, 2026 in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Seyi Tinubu Youth Mandate Movement, led by Ajiboye Joseph, during a courtesy visit to his office. Blueprint reports

He commended the group for its grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to youth inclusion, national development and continuity in governance, describing young people as a vital force in shaping Nigeria’s future and sustaining democratic governance.

According to a statement issued by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Adviser on Media to the NIS director-general, Shaibu also reflected on his history of youth activism, saying his involvement in public protests was motivated by a desire to protect the future of young Nigerians.

Recalling his experience during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Shaibu said he participated in protests aimed at preventing what he described as a breakdown of the country’s education system.

He presented the experience as part of his longstanding engagement with issues affecting young Nigerians, arguing that youth participation in national affairs should extend beyond political campaigns to include advocacy, civic engagement and the defence of opportunities for future generations.

The former Edo State deputy governor said President Tinubu was working to reset the country’s foundation, expressing confidence that the administration’s policies would prepare young people for leadership responsibilities.

“After eight years of President Tinubu, the youths will be prepared to take over because the President is building a strong foundation for them,” he said.

Shaibu’s comments linked the President’s re-election ambition to the question of preparing a new generation of Nigerians for leadership. However, he did not outline specific programmes or measurable targets during the meeting that would determine how young people would be prepared to assume such responsibilities.

He also applauded the movement for mobilising support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition and encouraged its members to sustain their activities with unity, discipline and focus.

Earlier, Joseph thanked Shaibu for receiving the delegation and explained the group’s mission to mobilise young Nigerians in support of youth inclusion, national development and continuity in governance.

He assured the NIS chief that the movement would continue its mobilisation activities and efforts to promote youth engagement while supporting the Tinubu administration.

The visit represents another engagement between government officials and political support groups seeking to strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the next general elections.

Although the group’s name references Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, the statement on the meeting did not provide details about the movement’s membership strength, geographical spread, specific mobilisation targets or planned activities.

It also did not identify particular sports-development initiatives discussed during the visit, despite Shaibu’s position as head of the National Institute for Sports.

The meeting comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with support groups, party officials and political stakeholders intensifying efforts to build structures around Tinubu’s re-election bid.

On October 24, Tinubu launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna, where he appealed to voters for another term amid persistent economic hardship and security concerns. The campaign is expected to place the administration’s record, reform agenda and plans for the country’s future at the centre of political debate.

Two days before Shaibu’s meeting with the youth movement, Tinubu also received youth support groups at the State House in Abuja, commending their role in communicating government policies and mobilising support for his administration.

At the engagement, the President highlighted initiatives including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Credit Corporation of Nigeria and the Three Million Technical Talent programme as part of efforts to expand access to education, credit and digital skills.

The activities of these groups underscore the growing importance of youth mobilisation in the emerging political contest. However, support for a candidate remains distinct from the broader question of how young Nigerians can participate meaningfully in decision-making, public service and economic development.

Shaibu’s appeal for youth involvement comes at a time when economic conditions, employment opportunities, education and insecurity are likely to feature prominently in discussions about the performance of the Tinubu administration.

While political support groups can help communicate policies and encourage participation, young voters will also be looking for credible responses to challenges affecting their livelihoods and prospects.

Nigeria’s large youth population makes young people an important constituency in electoral politics. Their participation, however, extends beyond attendance at rallies or membership of campaign organisations to include voter registration, informed choices, peaceful political engagement and the ability to hold elected leaders accountable.

The National Orientation Agency has also begun a nationwide mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, with emphasis on voter participation and discouraging vote buying, voter apathy and electoral violence.

Such initiatives reflect the wider need for political engagement to remain peaceful and centred on issues, particularly as campaigns gather momentum across the country.

For Tinubu’s supporters, youth mobilisation offers an opportunity to communicate the administration’s policies and build support for a second term. For young Nigerians, the election will also provide an opportunity to assess competing political promises and decide which candidates best address their priorities.

Shaibu’s remarks therefore place youth leadership and political continuity within the same conversation, with the NIS director-general expressing confidence that the President’s proposed eight-year tenure would leave young Nigerians better prepared to take over leadership.

Whether that aspiration translates into broader opportunities for young people will depend not only on political mobilisation but also on the policies, institutions and practical pathways available to them.