By Emmanuel Kwada
A wave of excitement and debate has swept across Nigeria as Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiled the party’s latest digital initiative: the APC X (Twitter) Eagle Forum, colloquially dubbed the “Twitter Arm Squad.”
The launch, which took place last week, has sparked widespread conversation among Nigerians, with many praising the move as a bold step to engage youth in political discourse, while others question its implications for digital governance.
The Twitter Arm Squad, led by Muhammad Ibrahim Tudunwada, is a youth-driven group tasked with amplifying the APC’s achievements and policies on X, Nigeria’s most vibrant social media platform. Senator Jibrin, representing Kano North, announced the initiative during a meeting with party stakeholders in Abuja, emphasizing its role in strengthening the APC’s presence in Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
The launch comes at a critical time for the APC, as the party seeks to consolidate its influence in Kano, a key political battleground, ahead of the 2027 elections
“Their commitment to digital advocacy and constructive engagement has promoted good governance,” Jibrin stated, commending the group’s efforts to mobilize support for the party’s agenda.
The launch comes at a critical time for the APC, as the party seeks to consolidate its influence in Kano, a key political battleground, ahead of the 2027 elections. Jibrin, a seasoned legislator and the only APC senator to withstand the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) wave in Kano during the 2023 elections, is leveraging the squad to counter opposition narratives and engage younger voters.
“With the Deputy Senate President, the National Chairman of APC, and strategic influence, Kano is already secured for the APC ahead of 2027,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared, underscoring Jibrin’s pivotal role.
Nigerians on X have been quick to react. Supporters like @authorityenigma hailed the squad as a “game-changer” for promoting Jibrin and the APC’s vision, noting its potential to reshape political communication.
Is this about governance or just another PR stunt?
“Seems those squads are the ones they are using to promote APC and the Senate Deputy President on Twitter,” the user posted. Others, however, expressed skepticism, with some questioning whether the initiative could devolve into a tool for propaganda. “Is this about governance or just another PR stunt?” asked @NaijaVoice247, reflecting a broader debate about the role of social media in Nigerian politics.
The Twitter Arm Squad’s launch aligns with Jibrin’s broader efforts to harness new media for national unity and development.
In 2023, he described social media as “a crucial tool for the promotion of national unity and development” while hosting the Northern Nigeria APC Media Network.
We need people like you to support us in promoting our activities
The squad is expected to expand its reach beyond Kano, with plans to recruit members nationwide to bolster the APC’s digital footprint. “We need people like you to support us in promoting our activities,” Jibrin urged, calling for a unified push to highlight the Tinubu administration’s achievements.
The Twitter Arm Squad’s emergence also underscores Jibrin’s rising influence within the APC. As Deputy Senate President since June 2023, he has championed bills like the North West Development Commission and empowered constituents with initiatives such as donating 1,037 motorcycles and 63 cars to APC supporters in Kano.
His ability to navigate Kano’s complex political landscape, coupled with his mentorship under icons like Malam Aminu Kano, has cemented his reputation as a political heavyweight.
