Oluremi Tinubu urges politicians to prioritise electorate interest over party affiliations

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged politicians to place the interests of the electorate above party allegiance in the discharge of their duties.

She made the call on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting of her Renewed Hope Initiative, held with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos. Mrs. Tinubu stressed that public service should be rooted in genuine commitment to the people, not merely loyalty to political platforms.

“Party aside, once we win an election, people should put party aside and let’s run the government. The government involves people and, through the grace of God, the Renewed Hope Initiative will be able to change the mindset of opposition states. We are all working together to make sure this programme gets to the grassroots,” she said.

The meeting brought together lawmakers, political leaders, traditional rulers and religious figures to strengthen grassroots engagement and foster unity for national development. The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to policies that promote peace, development, and the well-being of Nigerians, pledging to consider stakeholders’ requests.

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the First Lady’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders as timely and significant. He noted that her visit coincided with Isese Week, a period of cultural celebration among Yoruba traditional institutions, and praised their continued prayers and support for the state.

“Their prayers are with us. It is not a coincidence that this visit comes during Isese Week. It shows our traditional institution is alive and vibrant. We also recognize our religious leaders, and this government values your interventions in all spheres of life,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor commended Mrs. Tinubu for the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that in just over two years it has introduced transformative programmes targeting vulnerable groups across Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, thanked the First Lady for her nationwide projects and presented requests including constitutional recognition for traditional rulers, improved welfare, youth empowerment, girl-child education and leadership training, as well as legal recognition for Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).