Title: Renewed Hope Ambassadors Rally South-South Base Ahead of 2027 Date Published: 24 March 2026 Description: In a strategic push to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections, leaders of Nigeria’s ruling party gathered in Asaba with a clear message: unify the narrative, deepen grassroots engagement, and translate reforms into tangible public understanding.At the South-South Strategic Communications and Mobilisation Summit themed “One Party, One Message, One Mobilisation,” key political figures stressed that the success of ongoing national reforms hinges not just on policy outcomes, but on how effectively those policies are communicated to everyday Nigerians.Leading the charge were Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, and Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, South-South Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, who collectively called for cohesion in both messaging and mobilisation across the country.Uzodimma framed the summit as more than a political gathering; it was, he said, a tactical effort to close the gap between government performance and public perception. While pointing to improvements in macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, increased oil production, and enhanced revenue allocation, Uzodimma acknowledged that many Nigerians have yet to feel these gains at the grassroots level.“You are the interpreters of government vision,” he told participants. “You must go where the President cannot reach and explain reforms in ways people understand.”He described the summit’s outcome as a detailed national work plan with timelines and deliverables, and as the “compass and spine” for Renewed Hope Ambassadors nationwide.Speakers highlighted several policy achievements under the current administration, including the signing into law of a new ₦70,000 minimum wage, the revitalisation of over 1,000 primary healthcare centres, and the introduction of free Caesarean section services in public health facilities.On governance, anti-corruption efforts were underscored, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recording over 4,000 convictions and recovering hundreds of billions of naira in 2024. Improvements in security, particularly reductions in crude oil theft, were also cited as indicators of progress.Yet, speakers admitted that reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments have imposed short-term hardships, reinforcing the need for clearer and more empathetic communication with citizens. A central pillar of the mobilisation effort is the “Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme,” designed to reach 1,000 citizens in every ward nationwide. The initiative aims to accelerate development while building direct connections between government policies and local communities. Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emphasised that communication gaps have limited public appreciation of government achievements. He urged ambassadors to engage citizens directly in markets, communities, and institutions, using relatable examples and verifiable data.For Oborevwori, unity is not merely rhetoric but a political necessity. He warned that fragmented messaging could weaken the party’s influence and open doors for opposition gains.“Unity must be matched with action. We must take the message to the people, defend our reforms, and mobilise effectively,” he said.Echoing this sentiment, South-West Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Chairman of the Summit, Adedayo Adeyeye described the South-South as Nigeria’s economic backbone and a critical region in shaping electoral outcomes. He expressed confidence that growing alignment with the ruling party signals broader acceptance of its policies.The summit also spotlighted upcoming policy directions, including a proposed ₦58.47 trillion 2026 budget prioritising security, infrastructure, education, and health. New tax reforms are expected to streamline taxation and ease the burden on small businesses. Longer-term ambitions were outlined in the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030), endorsed by the National Economic Council, which targets transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.With notable personalities in attendance, including Governor Mai Mala Buni of You be State, and other national and regional stakeholders, the summit emphasized unified call for discipline, consistency, and sustained engagement. The message was clear: electoral success in 2027 will depend not only on policy achievements but also on the party’s ability to connect those achievements to the lived experiences of Nigerians.As the APC intensifies its grassroots strategy, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors are charged with the responsibility of converting policy into perception, and perception into votes. The writer, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., is the Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Governor’s Office, Asaba. 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