Nigeria’s First Lady Denies Linking ₦20.4bn Birthday Fundraiser to 2027 Politics
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed claims that her 65th birthday fundraiser was tied to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking during an interactive session with State House correspondents on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu clarified that the initiative was solely aimed at completing the long-delayed National Library complex in Abuja. She disclosed that donations have already surpassed ₦20.4 billion since the fund was launched last Thursday, with the account set to remain open until December 2025.
The First Lady highlighted her history of philanthropy, recalling past fundraisers for the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre and the New Era Foundation, stressing that her efforts have always focused on causes that serve national development.
Her clarification followed criticism from Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who faulted the idea of funding such a critical national project through birthday donations. Obi argued that Nigeria should not have to rely on private contributions to complete the National Library, though he extended birthday wishes to Mrs Tinubu.
Reiterating that the initiative carried no political undertones, the First Lady said it was about rallying Nigerians to take responsibility for national growth. She cited both biblical inspiration and the words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy as guiding principles for her commitment to public service.
She further explained that the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation are the official signatories to the account, while her role is simply to mobilise support and drive awareness.
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