Remi Tinubu says critics of progress need 'Tinubu eyeglasses'
- First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said Nigerians who cannot see progress under her husband may need 'Bola Tinubu eyeglasses'.
- She spoke in Abuja while opening a campaign office for a group backing President Tinubu's 2027 re-election.
- She cited airport upgrades as evidence of change and said she hopes to leave Aso Rock in 2031.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said Nigerians who feel the country is not moving forward may simply need what she called "Bola Tinubu eyeglasses" to see the changes.
She made the remark on Friday in Abuja, at the opening of the headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots group working for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
According to accounts of the event, Mrs Tinubu said things are happening in the country but some people cannot see them, and joked that they might be given glasses. She linked the phrase to Jigi-Bola, an eye-care programme her husband started as Lagos State governor in 2001, which offered free eye checks, glasses and surgery. Lagos relaunched it in 2021.
Airports and 2031
Her main example of progress was the country's airports, which she said are changing. She added that she wants to get to the airport and travel quickly.
Mrs Tinubu also spoke about life after the Presidency, saying she hopes to leave Aso Rock in 2031 and live in a better Nigeria in her 70s.
"I want to leave Aso Rock, in 2031, by the grace of God, and enter a Nigeria that me as a 70-something-year-old woman will enjoy," she said.
She then formally opened the movement's Abuja office and declared her support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and for the group's convener, Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
Her comment is likely to stir debate. Many Nigerians are still grappling with high food prices, fuel costs and a weak naira, and critics of the government often say the reforms have not reached ordinary homes. Supporters argue the changes will pay off over time.
The First Lady's remarks also underline that campaign activity around 2027 is already picking up, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not opened the formal race.
What happens next
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement is expected to keep building support for the President ahead of the 2027 general election. Whether the President's allies can convince voters that things are improving will be tested at the ballot.