As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to be consolidating early political support through the mobilisation of socialites, entertainers, and youth-oriented networks under the City Boys Movement.
The President, who already enjoys the backing of most governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is witnessing renewed public endorsements from figures within the entertainment and social scenes. This strategy mirrors the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, when prominent influencers openly campaigned for him.
The City Boys Movement, championed by Seyi Tinubu, has evolved into a structured political mobilisation platform. It operates across states, local governments, and wards, with a focus on youth engagement, grassroots advocacy, and promotion of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. The movement has reportedly appointed zonal and state coordinators, particularly targeting young entrepreneurs and urban influencers to galvanise support ahead of 2027.
However, the development has attracted criticism. Some political actors argue that the movement represents elite interests rather than the broader Nigerian populace. A youth leader of the Labour Party described the strategy as a calculated effort to dominate narratives early, warning that Nigeria risks drifting towards a near one-party state.
Similarly, opposition voices within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contend that celebrity endorsements cannot substitute for public dissatisfaction driven by economic hardship, insecurity, and rising living costs. Critics also question whether entertainers can meaningfully influence voter behaviour beyond symbolic crowd-pulling.
Despite the criticisms, Tinubu’s political machinery continues to expand. Several governors originally elected on opposition platforms have defected to the APC, further strengthening the President’s position as preparations quietly intensify for the 2027 elections.
