Tinubu Support Organization appoints Kwara United GM Badawiy as Director of Football
…as Badawiy drums support for Tinubu, Seriki
The Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) has appointed the General Manager of Kwara United F.C., Bashir Badawiy, as its Director of Football, in what insiders describe as a strategic move to mobilise young Nigerians through sports ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, which identifies itself as a coalition of individuals and organisations aligned with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Badawiy’s appointment underscores its commitment to using football as a vehicle for unity and grassroots engagement.
Speaking with The Informant247 over the weekend, Badawiy described the role as a call to service he readily embraced.
“When we sat together, I checked their blueprint and saw that we can do a lot together,” he said. “As somebody who supports and believes in the president’s leadership, I am proud to associate with this.”
Badawiy, a long-time football administrator, said he believes the game remains one of the strongest unifying forces in Nigeria.
“Like every other country, football can unite our country irrespective of religion, ethnicity or language. We saw it in Morocco during the last AFCON. Even if you don’t watch football, when Nigeria is playing, it brings out patriotism in you,” he said.
He revealed plans to target young people through grassroots tournaments across schools nationwide, describing youth engagement as central to the group’s broader political strategy.
“We have the youth as our target. Ahead of 2027, we plan to organise tournaments in schools across the country. This will give them a sense of belonging and a reason to queue behind this mandate irrespective of our differences,” he added.
On President Tinubu’s performance in office, Badawiy offered a robust defence of the administration’s economic policies.
“Asiwaju has performed wonderfully well. We are no longer dealing with subsidy issues the way we used to, petrol prices are becoming competitive, and you can check the dollar rate. The new tax law is also fantastic. Nigeria is a difficult country to govern, but he is taking it step by step to reshape the economy,” he said.
He also echoed recent comments by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, commending the president’s support for sports development nationwide.
Badawiy, on Kwara State, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritising sports infrastructure and clearing outstanding debts owed to players and staff.
“Before, we had debts and were being chased around. The governor cleared the backlog, and both former and current players have smiled to the bank,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Badawiy openly declared his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.
According to him, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki is the party’s strongest prospect for the governorship race.
“He has done a lot for the state. He is a businessman who has empowered many people and is one of the highest employers of labour in Kwara through his companies,” Badawiy said.
He also credited Seriki for backing Kwara United during its historic FA Cup triumph, providing both financial and moral support.
“He was by our side throughout that historic FA Cup win. He is deserving of our support. He is the right man for the job in Kwara come 2027, and Asiwaju remains the right man at the federal level,” Badawiy declared.
With football as its rallying point and 2027 in clear sight, the Tinubu Support Group appears set to blend sport and politics in a campaign strategy aimed squarely at Nigeria’s youth.
