ABU ’99 Economics Alumni Declares Support for Abejide, Lauds Records of Compassion and Loyalty

ABUJA —Bashiru Abdul Mohammed (BAM), ANIPR, Special Adviser on Public Communications to Rt. Hon. (Elder) Leke Joseph Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, on Tuesday received Ambassador Pax Joel at his Garki office in Abuja, in what observers describe as an early show of grassroots and alumni-driven political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Pax, who was a coursemate of the lawmaker in the 1999–2003 Economics class of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said he was delegated to formally convey the appreciation and solidarity of their classmates, friends of the class, and former lecturers. He described Abejide as a man of rare compassion whose commitment to his peers has remained steadfast for over two decades after graduation.

Speaking during the visit, Pax highlighted several instances of Abejide’s interventions in the lives of former coursemates, particularly in times of distress. He cited a recent case in which the lawmaker reportedly came to the aid of a female colleague facing a life-threatening illness that required significant financial resources.

“We thank God for having someone like him in our midst,” Pax said. “At a very critical time, we almost lost one of our female coursemates to a severe health condition, but Abejide stepped in and made a difference. This is just one out of many instances where he has supported members of our class and extended kindness beyond expectations.”

He noted that despite not playing active roles in Abejide’s previous electoral victories in 2019 and 2023, members of the ABU Economics Class of ’99 now consider it both a moral responsibility and a collective duty to support his re-election bid.

According to Joel, the group has resolved to back Abejide’s aspiration to return to the House of Representatives in the January 16, 2027 general election, where he is expected to contest for a third-term in the 11th National Assembly representing Yagba East/West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency.

He further expressed the readiness of the alumni network—both within Nigeria and in the diaspora—to mobilise support, forge strategic partnerships, and contributes meaningfully to ensuring the lawmaker’s successful re-election.

“We may not have been part of his earlier victories, but we believe it is time to stand up for one of our own who has consistently stood up for others,” he added.

Responding on behalf of his principal, Bashiru  thanked the delegation for the visit, describing their gesture as thoughtful and deeply appreciated. He assured them that their message of goodwill and commitment would be communicated to the lawmaker. 

“We are sincerely grateful for this show of solidarity and the confidence you have expressed in the Honourable,” Bashiru said. “Your support and willingness to partner with him in his future endeavours are well noted, and I will ensure that your message is delivered accordingly.”

The visit is seen by political watchers as a sign of growing support networks coalescing around Abejide ahead of the 2027 polls, particularly among professional and alumni groups with long-standing personal ties to the lawmaker.