AGIP VISITS ADC LEADERS, SEEKS WIDER GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION FOR ATIKU

By Sultan Teslim 

Group canvasses support, vote monitoring, media campaign as Lagos leaders demand inclusion of youths, women, non-indigenes

LAGOS — The Atiku Grassroots Information Project, a support group promoting the presidential aspiration of former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has commenced engagements with leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Lagos State as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made this known on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when its leadership paid a courtesy visit to prominent ADC leaders at the residence of Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu in Lagos.

The meeting attracted several political stakeholders, including the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Engr George Ashiru; Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos State PDP Chairman, Rtd Capt Tunji Shelle; Chief Muritala Ashorobi; Mr Felix Tai Benedict; Yeye Adenike Agnes Shobajo; Pastor Coker Oluyomi and other leaders and representatives from various local government areas across the state.

Speaking during the meeting, the National Coordinator of AGIP, Pastor Coker Oluyomi, expressed appreciation to the ADC leaders for receiving the group despite the short notice given for the visit.

Coker explained that AGIP was established to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and information dissemination in support of Atiku Abubakar's presidential bid.

He listed the objectives of the group to include grassroots canvassing, voter mobilisation, monitoring and securing votes, political enlightenment and the dissemination of credible information about the ADC and its presidential candidate.

According to him, the group would also use the media to counter what it considers false, misleading or negative information being circulated against the ADC and its presidential candidate.

He added that AGIP would work to educate voters on the importance of their votes and encourage them to participate actively in the electoral process.

‘Expand membership’ — Ogunkelu

Responding to the presentation, Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu described the initiative as commendable but urged the organisers to expand the membership and reach of the group.

Ogunkelu particularly called for the inclusion of more women, youths and non-indigenes in the structure, stressing that a successful grassroots movement must accommodate people from different backgrounds.

He said, “We don't need big trees alone to make a forest; we need plants and grasses also.”

The political stakeholder further advised AGIP to pay close attention to information gathering and verification, noting that credible information would be necessary to effectively respond to propaganda and misinformation allegedly being spread against the party and its candidate.

South-West must deliver, says Ashorobi

Also speaking, Chief Muritala Ashorobi congratulated the AGIP team for the initiative and urged its members to intensify their grassroots activities.

Ashorobi said the South-West had an important role to play in the forthcoming political contest, stressing the need for the region to work towards delivering substantial electoral support to Atiku Abubakar and the ADC.

He equally backed the call for greater inclusion of women, youths and non-indigenes, saying every voter was important to the success of the party.

Lagos should be priority — Shelle

Rtd Capt Tunji Shelle commended the initiative and applauded Pastor Coker for coming up with the idea.

Shelle disclosed that there were more than 400 support groups operating within the political space, noting that the effectiveness and relevance of each group would depend largely on how strategically it operated.

He urged AGIP to distinguish itself through effective grassroots engagement and credible information.

The former party chairman also stressed the need for greater participation of women and youths, while advising members of the group to obtain information from reliable sources before disseminating it.

Shelle identified Lagos as a critical area of focus, particularly because of the performance of the party in the last election.

He therefore urged the group to strengthen its presence across the state and develop a more effective grassroots mobilisation strategy.

Shobajo backs initiative

Yeye Adenike Agnes Shobajo also commended the initiative and expressed confidence in Pastor Coker's ability to coordinate the project.

Shobajo said her confidence was informed by Coker's previous initiatives and achievements, adding that she had no doubt about her capacity to deliver.

She, however, stressed the importance of making women an integral part of the mobilisation structure.

Tai Benedict pledges support

Mr Felix Tai Benedict described the initiative as a welcome development and pledged to work with the team to achieve its objectives.

Benedict assured the organisers of his readiness to contribute his efforts towards the success of the project.

AGIP unveils media team

The meeting also witnessed the introduction of the AGIP Media Team, which is expected to spearhead the group's media and communication activities.

The team is expected to focus on information dissemination, voter education, media engagement and addressing misinformation relating to the ADC and its presidential candidate.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for AGIP to formally engage key ADC stakeholders in Lagos and present its grassroots mobilisation agenda.

The discussions at the meeting centred largely on the need for credible information, effective grassroots mobilisation, youth and women participation, inclusion of non-indigenes and strategic media engagement.

The stakeholders urged AGIP to expand its network across Lagos State and establish a strong grassroots structure capable of reaching voters at the community level.

The meeting ended with expressions of support for the initiative and a renewed call for coordinated efforts among the various support groups working towards the success of the ADC and its presidential candidate.