The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Mary Idele, has inaugurated the United States chapter of the Tinubu Torch Bearers, a political support group mobilising backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The inauguration was held at the Houston Metroplex branch in Sugar Land, Texas, under the theme, “Renewed Hope in Action: Building the Nation from Diaspora to Development.”

Idele, who founded the Tinubu Torch Bearers, announced the appointment of Henry Nnabugwu as the convener of the group’s US chapter during the event.

She said the organisation had established structures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that extending its operations to the diaspora was necessary to engage Nigerians living abroad in support of the Tinubu administration.

According to her, the group is seeking to build an international network capable of promoting the administration’s policies and achievements while encouraging greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development.

The inauguration was preceded by a pre-inauguration dinner hosted by Nnabugwu a day earlier.

In recognition of his role in establishing the US chapter, Idele also appointed Nnabugwu as the Tinubu Torch Bearers’ National Adviser on Diaspora Affairs.

In his acceptance speech, Nnabugwu pledged to advance the objectives of the organisation and called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support policies of the Tinubu administration and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

The keynote speaker and Chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party, Greg Barnes, said some of Tinubu’s economic and security policies reflected principles associated with conservative politics in the United States, drawing comparisons with the political approach of US President Donald Trump.

Barnes encouraged Nigerians living in the United States to remain active contributors to their communities while maintaining strong developmental links with Nigeria.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the Tinubu Torch to Dr Mrs Alero Hans, who was appointed Coordinator of the Houston Metroplex Branch.

Hans pledged to carry out her responsibilities with integrity, transparency and commitment.