Supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have launched what they describe as the Village Boys Movement, a grassroots political platform aimed at countering the City Boys narrative associated with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. The initiative, unveiled at a strategy meeting attended by youth coordinators and community mobilisers, is positioned as a campaign framework focused on rural engagement and inclusive economic messaging.
Organisers said the movement seeks to amplify the voices of Nigerians in semi urban and rural communities who they believe have been sidelined in national political discourse. According to spokespersons at the launch, the Village Boys Movement is designed to reframe political participation around local enterprise, agriculture, informal sector resilience, and community based innovation.
The City Boys narrative, often linked to urban political structures and metropolitan influence, has become a symbolic reference point in political debates. Obi supporters argue that a majority of Nigerians reside outside major commercial centres and that electoral success in 2027 will depend on mobilising grassroots networks.
Political analysts note that narrative building is increasingly central to modern campaigns. They observe that symbolic branding such as Village Boys or City Boys shapes voter perception beyond policy documents. The unveiling signals early positioning by opposition blocs seeking to consolidate support before formal campaign season.
Observers say the coming months will likely witness intensified grassroots tours, digital outreach, and policy town halls as political actors test messages that resonate across demographic lines. With 2027 still two years away, narrative competition is already taking centre stage in Nigeria evolving electoral landscape.
