Minister Says He Will Personally Fund 4,000 Influencers To Campaign For Tinubu And Fight Social Media War

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that he will personally finance a network of 4,000 social media influencers to promote President Bola Tinubu’s achievements, campaign for his re-election in 2027 and counter political attacks against the President.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with ARISE News, Umahi clarified that the initiative would be funded privately rather than through the Ministry of Works or other public resources.

“David Umahi is funding, not Ministry of Works,” he declared.

The minister’s clarification follows his announcement in September that 4,000 influencers would be mobilised to publicise the Tinubu administration’s achievements.

“We have to fight this social media war. We have to launch 4,000 social media influencers to tell our stories,” he had said.

In the latest interview, Umahi said: “I am funding 4,000 influencers to advertise what the President is doing, and it’s a catalyst.”

He said the network would be deployed “for campaigning for him all over Nigeria.”

Asked directly whether the influencers would be deployed to respond to political attacks against Tinubu, the minister answered: “To respond to the attacks? Yes.”

Umahi, however, said he would not finance influencers to insult other presidential candidates or engage in unlawful online activities, and that using public resources would require government procurement procedures.

He did not disclose the total amount he intends to spend, how the 4,000 influencers would be selected, or payment arrangements.