Our party will consider a Christian as Vice President in 2027 – BATSCM DG

Director General of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Support Coalition Movement (BATSCM), Mayor Kingsley Okoronkwo (MKO), is a political analyst and United Nations Peace Mayor committed to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid. In this interview with Stanley Ihedigbo, he reveals his plans for promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Excerpts:

What inspired you to lead the BATSCM?

I am honoured to lead BATSCM because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria aligns with mine. His leadership style, integrity, and commitment to progress resonate deeply with me. I am confident that under his guidance, Nigeria can achieve greatness, just as he demonstrated during his governance of Lagos State. As Director General of BATSCM, I am committed to promoting President Tinubu’s vision and agenda. We’re confident that his leadership will take Nigeria to greater heights.

How do you plan to mobilize support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, considering the current economic hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians?

We will engage Nigerians through grassroots mobilization, outreach programs, and digital campaigns, highlighting President Tinubu’s achievements—such as his efforts to stabilize the economy, invest in infrastructure, and promote security. We will also listen to citizens’ concerns and address them through our Renewed Hope Agenda.

What are the key achievements of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that you believe will resonate with Nigerians, given the perception that he has not fulfilled his campaign promises?

Despite challenges, President Tinubu has made significant strides in stabilizing the economy, investing in infrastructure, and promoting security. His Renewed Hope Agenda remains relevant. Notable achievements include economic reforms aimed at boosting growth and development, investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, and initiatives to enhance security, including community policing.

Can you elaborate on the BATSCM Renewed Hope Agenda and its objectives?

Our agenda focuses on good governance, leadership excellence, youth empowerment, and economic growth. We are working tirelessly to ensure President Tinubu’s vision becomes a reality. Our objectives include promoting transparency and accountability in governance, empowering youth through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship, and fostering economic growth through strategic investments and job creation.

How do you plan to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goals, such as good governance, leadership excellence, and youth empowerment, given the disappointment felt by many Nigerians after two years of President Tinubu’s administration?

Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy. We will promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, and also engage with stakeholders to build support for President Tinubu’s policies and initiatives.

What role do you see BATSCM playing in supporting President Tinubu’s policies and initiatives?

We will amplify his message, mobilize support, and provide feedback from citizens. We will also engage with stakeholders to build broader support for his policies and initiatives.

How will BATSCM address the criticisms and challenges facing President Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding some policies seen as anti-democratic?

We will engage constructively with critics, address concerns, and highlight achievements. We will also provide feedback from citizens to inform policy decisions.

The opposition parties, including those led by Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, are reportedly exploring a strong coalition to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. How do you respond to this development?

Nigerians will decide based on track records. President Tinubu’s leadership and vision will prevail, and we are confident that his achievements will speak for themselves.

Some critics have accused President Tinubu of not being democratic, citing the removal of the elected Governor and State House of Assembly of Rivers State. What are your views on these allegations?

The Rivers State matter is sub judice; I will let the courts decide. President Tinubu has a track record of democratic leadership, and we are confident that the truth will come out.

There have been concerns about the delayed appointments of ambassadors and board members of government agencies. How do you think this has impacted Nigeria’s external affairs and governance?

These delays have hindered effective governance and representation. However, we are hopeful that the government will address these concerns promptly.

Some have criticized President Tinubu for not making key appointments, leading to Directors-General of government agencies wielding too much power. How do you respond to these concerns?

The government is working to address these concerns. We are confident that President Tinubu will ensure that power is exercised responsibly.

What is your view on the reported tensions between President Tinubu and his Vice President, and how might this impact his 2027 re-election bid, especially regarding the repetition of a Muslim-Muslim ticket?

The President and Vice President work together for Nigeria’s progress. We are confident that they share a common vision for the country’s development.

Some Northern elites have expressed dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s administration. How do you think this might affect his chances in the 2027 election?

We will engage with all stakeholders to build support. President Tinubu’s achievements and vision for Nigeria will win over critics.

President Tinubu has denied supporting a one-party system in Nigeria, yet many opposition governors are decamping to the ruling party. What do you make of this development, and how might it impact the 2027 election?

This shows confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. His vision and policies are attracting support from across the political divide.

You don’t see anything wrong with the APC flying a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027?

I believe the APC’s decision on ticket selection is strategic. However, for the 2027 general election, considering a Christian as Vice President to balance the ticket would be a welcome development. It would promote interfaith harmony and win the confidence of all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion.

There are beliefs that those decamping to the APC are doing so to avoid arrest for corruption charges, and for governors, to secure automatic tickets for 2027.

Nigerians are astute enough to see through such narratives. Our party’s strength lies in its commitment to good governance, leadership excellence, and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Some APC members are not happy with the non-constitution of many Federal Government agency boards. What is your view on this?

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance. President Tinubu’s leadership will ensure that power is exercised responsibly, and we remain committed to promoting effective governance and economic stability.