Here, Our Managing Editor Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka writes from Abuja that the politics of 2027 is already taking shape, and in the corridors of power, one name is being repeated with increasing confidence: City Boy Movement. On Wednesday, Senate Presiden
Mt Godswill Akpabio gave the group his full endorsement, declaring that it will be the engine room for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. To Akpabio, the Movement represents more than campaign energy. It is discipline, presence at the grassroots, and a new generation learning how to lead by first learning how to mobilize.
Akpabio received a delegation of the City Boy Movement on a courtesy visit to his office. He opened with commendation for their commitment and patriotism.
“The City Boy Movement is like a wind blowing across the nation,” he told them, adding: “You may not see it but you can feel it. Every political party in Nigeria is already feeling the impact.”
The core of his message was electoral structure. “Never again shall we have a situation in any polling unit in Nigeria where Mr President will not have an agent because we have the City Boy Movement,” Akpabio declared.
He drew lessons from the last election.
“In the last election, if your Movement had existed, many of our votes that were not counted in many polling units would have been counted.” Timing, he said, is on their side.
“I want you to have it in mind that you have come up at the right time and I do know that you are all poised to ensure maximum victory come 2027.”
Akpabio contrasted the Movement’s activity with the opposition.
“While you are going round the country mobilising, sensitising the populace, educating them, other political parties are sleeping. They are not doing the same.”
He anticipated pushback. “But when the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be announced, you will hear people saying it is rigged. That they did this, they did that. Ignore all those things and remain focused.”
Beyond 2027, the Senate President framed the work as training ground.
“This is now your turn to shape your future. This is your turn to take the lead on how Nigeria should go,” he said.
“As you campaign for the President, you are also learning and acquiring knowledge on how to mobilise and campaign for yourselves in future.”
Akpabio assured the group of institutional backing. “We are with you. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is pleased with the youths of this country who have decided to tow the right path.”
He acknowledged challenges facing young people. “We are mindful of the fact that some youths, as a result of cultism and drug abuse, have fallen aside and are misguided.”
Then came his call for balance.
“When they say ‘build the youths,’ because they are the future of the nation, I also want to urge ‘maintain the elders,’ because they are the people today that God has given wisdom to.”
Quoting a philosopher, Akpabio warned against wasted potential.
“It is not a tragedy when a nonentity whimpers through life and ends up a failure in the grave. But it is a tragedy when a potentially achieving young man or woman, out of a flaw in his or her character becomes a failure.”
He told the delegation they occupy a privileged space. “Where you are now, you are privileged to work for the future of your country. You are privileged to chart the path of the next administration,” adding: “You are also privileged to belong to the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. It will be a tragedy for any of you to derail. We assure you that here we are 100 percent with you.”
Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, explained the purpose of the visit. “We seek your continued guidance and support as we expand our programmes across the country, deepen civic engagement among the young Nigerians and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Shoga said.
