By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that the City Boy Movement will play a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots support and securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Akpabio stated this on Wednesday when he received a delegation of the City Boy Movement on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. He commended the group’s commitment and patriotism, describing its mission of mobilising support for President Tinubu’s second term as timely and strategic.
He likened the movement to “a wind blowing across the nation,” saying that although its influence might not always be visible, its impact was already being felt across the country’s political landscape.
“The City Boy Movement is like a wind blowing across the nation. You may not see it but you can feel it. Every political party in Nigeria is already feeling the impact of the City Boy Movement,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President expressed optimism that the organisation would strengthen electioneering efforts ahead of the 2027 polls by ensuring the President had representatives in every polling unit across the country.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, if such a structure had existed during the last general election, many votes that were allegedly not counted in some polling units would have been protected.
“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,” he added.
Akpabio urged members of the movement to intensify voter mobilisation, public sensitisation and civic education across the country, saying that while they were actively engaging citizens, other political parties were not matching their level of grassroots mobilisation.
He advised the group not to be discouraged by criticisms or allegations that might arise after the election, urging them to remain focused on their assignment.
“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,” he said.
The Senate President said participation in the movement also offered young Nigerians an opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain practical political experience that would prepare them for future leadership roles.
“This is now your turn to shape your future. This is your turn to take the lead on how Nigeria should go. I know that as you campaign for the President, you are also learning and acquiring knowledge on how to mobilise and campaign for yourselves in future,” he stated.
Akpabio further assured the members of his support, saying the Senate appreciated young Nigerians who had embraced peaceful political participation instead of social vices.
“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 said.
While acknowledging challenges such as cultism and drug abuse among some youths, he urged members of the movement to remain disciplined and uphold good character, stressing that the nation needed morally upright young people to drive its future.
Quoting a philosopher, Akpabio warned that it would be tragic for talented young people to fail because of character flaws, urging members to remain steadfast in their commitment to nation building.
He told the delegation they were privileged to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future and expressed confidence that they would remain committed to the success of the Tinubu administration beyond 2027.
Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the movement and the National Assembly.
Shoga said the organisation was seeking the continued guidance and support of the Senate President as it expanded its programmes across the country, deepened civic engagement among young Nigerians and contributed meaningfully to national development.
He said the movement remained committed to mobilising Nigerians, particularly young people, towards greater participation in democratic processes while supporting initiatives aimed at advancing national development.
