Obasanjo’s son backs Tinubu’s re-election, joins PBAT movement

In what may appear to be a striking political contrast within the Obasanjo family, the son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Hon. Olujuwon Obasanjo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, joining the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

His decision comes against the backdrop of his father’s persistent criticism of the Tinubu administration, with the former President’s latest attack targeting the government’s borrowing policy.

Obasanjo, who governed Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, recently dismissed President Tinubu’s defence of government borrowing as “absolute nonsense”, warning that the country’s mounting debt could mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.

Reacting to Tinubu’s assertion that borrowing was not leprosy, provided the government worked hard to repay its obligations, the former President declared that debt was worse than leprosy because its consequences extended across generations.

His criticism followed Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly for approval of a $20.52bn and €1.045bn external borrowing plan under the 2026–2027 Supplementary External Borrowing Plan.

The President subsequently withdrew that request and submitted a revised proposal seeking approval for a $7.7bn external loan to partly finance the 2026 budget deficit.

Against this political backdrop, his son, Olujuwon, has aligned with the President’s re-election campaign, pledging to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He made the commitment on Wednesday during a visit to the movement’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by its National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, and taken on a guided tour of the facility.

Describing his appointment as an honour and privilege, Olujuwon commended the organisation for its grassroots mobilisation, community outreach, humanitarian activities and efforts to promote the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

He said he had followed the movement’s activities for some time and was impressed by its operations, expressing readiness to contribute his experience towards achieving its objectives and securing Tinubu’s re-election.

According to him, the President has started on a good note, making it imperative for Nigerians, particularly young people, to support the administration’s reforms and ensure continuity in governance.

He identified salary payments, infrastructure development and investment opportunities as areas in which the country had recorded progress, insisting that the gains should be sustained.

Olujuwon expressed confidence that continued support for Tinubu would enable the administration to consolidate its achievements and deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

He also disclosed that he had been a member of the APC since 2014, explaining that his family accommodates differing political opinions among its members without animosity.

Earlier, Asuku welcomed him to the movement, describing him as an experienced political figure with a strong background in leadership and governance.

He expressed optimism that Olujuwon’s political experience and understanding of mobilisation would strengthen the organisation’s operations and expand its activities across the country.

Asuku said the movement was particularly pleased with his decision to join, noting that it demonstrated his willingness to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.

He added that the organisation expected him to bring his knowledge and experience to bear in advancing its objectives.