Ahead of the 2027 polls, a former chieftain of the Labour Party, Marcel Ngogbehei, has been appointed as the Director General of the Tinubu Must Stay Movement support group.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees and Convener of the group, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, in a statement yesterday, said Ngogbehei, who served as Director-General of the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration (DMI) for Peter Obi in 2023, is experienced in both Nigeria and UK public-sector, technology, grassroots political organisation, philanthropy and community leadership across Nigeria and the global community.
Abdullahi described Ngogbehei as a trusted colleague whose leadership abilities he had witnessed over more than two decades.
“I have known Marcel for over 25 years. We have worked together, faced difficult challenges together and delivered results together. I know his character, I know his ability, and I trust him to deliver,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, the appointment was informed by Ngogbehei’s professional experience, knowledge of public institutions and record of bringing people together.
Abdullahi recalled that their professional relationship included working together at Galaxy Backbone Plc and later at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where they contributed to the development and implementation of major technology initiatives.
He identified the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the Government Data Centre, the CBN Cashless Policy and the establishment of the Bank’s Enterprise Architecture function among the initiatives to which they contributed.
According to Abdullahi, the Enterprise Architecture initiative helped the Bank achieve savings of more than $1 million.
“These were not just technology projects. They were about making government systems work better, reducing waste, improving efficiency and building institutions that serve Nigerians,” he said.
He described Ngogbehei as a loyal, trustworthy and dependable colleague who understands how to move ideas from discussion to implementation.
“Marcel is not someone who merely talks about problems. He understands how institutions work, how to bring people together and how to turn ideas into practical solutions. I’m not surprised he did that for the Obidient Movement and now he’ll bring that expertise to President Tinubu’s re-election bid through the Tinubu Must Stay Movement,” Abdullahi added.
Ngogbehei is a graduate of Computer and Electronics Engineering from Lagos State University and attended the London Business School Sloan programme.
His professional background includes senior technology responsibilities at Galaxy Backbone Plc, the Central Bank of Nigeria and has also led key projects for the UK Civil Service.
He also undertook professional development through Harvard Business School’s HBX programme and is a Gallifrey Foundation Scholar, having received a prestigious scholarship award for social enterprise and his contributions to human development.
Beyond his professional career, Ngogbehei founded GiveBack2Humanity, an initiative focused on youth mentorship, volunteerism and community development.
He also established the Marcel Ngogbehei Centre for Cancer Education and Care, which promotes cancer awareness, prevention, early detection and community support.
In January 2026, he announced a Community Scholarship Programme aimed at encouraging academic excellence and expanding opportunities for young people.
His community-service experience in the United Kingdom includes serving as Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Representative for South Wales at the UK Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) and as a South Wales Representative for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Ngogbehei played an organisational role in the mobilisation surrounding Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
In September 2026, DMI convened a national strategy meeting to consider its future direction and possible partnerships.
Ngogbehei, a pioneer organiser of the Obidient Movement and former chairman of the Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO), presided over the session.
The organisation later formalised its alliance with the Tinubu Must Stay Movement, opening a new chapter in its political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the political direction of the alliance, the Tinubu Must Stay Movement questioned whether opposition parties had presented sufficiently detailed and convincing plans for addressing Nigeria’s major challenges.
The movement said criticism of government policies should be accompanied by practical alternatives that Nigerians can understand and examine.
“Nigerians are tired of promises without clear plans. If you say the government is wrong, tell the people what you will do better. How will you create jobs? How will you reduce the cost of living? How will you improve electricity, schools and hospitals? And where will the money come from?” the movement stated.
It stressed that the government must also answer for its own performance.
“President Tinubu must be judged by the complexity of the problem he inherited and by what his government delivers. The opposition must also be judged by the solutions it offers. Nigerians deserve answers from both sides.”
The movement said the purpose of this challenge was to encourage informed debate about policies, public spending and their effects on ordinary Nigerians.
“We need someone who understands both people and systems”
Abdullahi said Ngogbehei’s appointment comes at a time when the alliance is establishing its structures and defining its activities.
“At this important stage, we need leadership that understands both people and systems. We need someone who can listen to ordinary Nigerians, coordinate our structures and ensure that our activities are guided by clear objectives and measurable results,” he said.
He added: “I have worked with Marcel. I know his character. I have seen his ability. And I trust him to deliver.”
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