***Vows to Mobilise 10 Million Votes
A group representing oil- and gas-producing communities across Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek re-election in 2027, citing the need to sustain ongoing policies and reforms under his administration.
The appeal was made on Thursday in Abuja during a pre-unveiling press briefing by the Communities of Oil and Gas in Nigeria (COGIN).
Addressing journalists, the group said it was formed as an advocacy platform for communities located in oil- and gas-producing areas of the country, with a focus on issues affecting development and economic opportunities in those regions.
COGIN said its members believe that policies introduced under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda have begun to influence developments in several sectors, including areas affecting host communities in the oil and gas industry.
The group argued that reforms initiated by the current government would require continuity to fully achieve their intended outcomes.
While describing itself as a non-governmental organisation, the group said it considered it important to publicly state its support for the president to seek another term in office.
It also expressed the view that maintaining policy direction could help sustain ongoing programmes and development initiatives.
COGIN further indicated that its members across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would mobilise support for Tinubu if he decides to contest the next presidential election.
The Director-General of the organisation, Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, who signed the statement, said the group would continue to engage stakeholders and advocate policies aimed at improving the welfare of oil- and gas-producing communities.
He added that the organisation had begun consultations with stakeholders across producing communities and was preparing to mobilise support for the president’s re-election.
Tamaranebi said there was no need to “change a winning team,” noting that the group was ready to mobilise what it described as 10 million votes in support of Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Part of the statement read:
“We introduce to Nigerians today, the 13th day of March 2026, the Communities of Oil and Gas in Nigeria (COGIN), an advocacy group established across communities producing oil and gas nationwide.
“These associations, under the broader umbrella of COGIN, are poised to ensuring that Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will be re-elected in 2027.
“It has been about three impactful years of the President’s bold vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has sparked progress across the six geopolitical zones and inspired hope nationwide.
“His strategic policies have placed communities of oil and gas in Nigeria on a pathway toward sustainable prosperity. As he steers Nigeria forward, we in COGIN stand ready to support efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive nation.
“It is therefore important to consolidate these gains rather than disrupt the progress already made. Hence, we say clearly that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa until 2031.
“We assure him that we are mobilising 10 million votes for his re-election bid. Dear Mr President, we appeal to you to contest in the 2027 presidential election so that the reforms and policies already initiated can be fully consolidated.”