By Ogefila Bayo Adewale
The Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has inaugurated the Yoruba Forum for Asiwaju (YFFA), a grassroots political movement designed to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration, held on Thursday at the Central Business District, Abuja, drew participants from the 62 political wards and six Area Councils of the FCT, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, artisans, market women and youth groups.
The event commenced with Christian, Muslim and traditional prayers, symbolising the Yoruba people’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Convener and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements (North Central), Hon. Dr. Chief Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, said the Forum would strengthen grassroots mobilisation and encourage greater participation in the democratic process. She noted that many Yoruba residents had already obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Michael Tomori, described the inauguration as the beginning of a united political movement for the Yoruba community in the FCT.
Also speaking, the FCT Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Tanko Ishaku Yamawo, commended the impressive turnout and assured the Forum of the party’s support, while the APC FCT Women Leader, Hajiya Farida Odengi, urged women to remain actively involved in politics.
A major highlight of the event was the empowerment of 50 market women, each receiving ₦50,000 to boost their businesses.
The Forum also inaugurated coordinators for Abuja North, Abuja South, the six Area Councils and the 62 political wards, presenting them with certificates of appointment.
In addition, the Convener announced a ₦5 million donation to the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors. Receiving the donation, the group’s Coordinator and former Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, expressed appreciation and pledged continued grassroots mobilisation in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Yoruba Council of Elders and the newly inaugurated coordinators, with Hon. Ismaila Olayiwola, Councillor representing Kutunku Ward in Gwagwalada Area Council, speaking on behalf of the coordinators.
The ceremony concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to unity, grassroots engagement and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
