2027: “You Did Not Just Gather People” – Tinubu Hails City Boy Movement For Millions Of Verifiable Members

President Bola Tinubu has commended the City Boy Movement for establishing a grassroots political structure with millions of members, describing its organisation and community engagement as an example of youth participation in Nigerian politics.

Tinubu spoke on Monday at the State House, Abuja, during a gathering of young supporters under the aegis of the City Boy Movement, where he acknowledged the contributions of youth support groups to his administration’s reform agenda.

Addressing members of the movement, the President said it had developed an organisational network extending across the country.

“To the City Boy Movement, you have done something new in Nigerian politics. You did not just gather people. You built a structure.

Millions of real, verifiable members. A presence in every state, every local government, every ward, down to the polling unit,” he said.

Tinubu also highlighted the movement’s call centre and its City Boys Care initiative, which he said were designed to engage young Nigerians and respond to community needs.

“That is not noise. That is organisation. That is the kind of seriousness this country needs from its young people, and I am proud of you,” he added.

The President specifically commended his son, Seyi Tinubu, the movement’s patron, for establishing and organising the group, urging him to deepen his commitment to public service and community engagement.

“I have watched what you have started with the City Boy Movement. You did it quietly. You did it humbly. You did not ask for a title or an office. You went to the young people, you listened to them, and you organised them. I am proud of you,” Tinubu said.

He added that Seyi had only begun his journey, urging him to set an example for future generations through service to the country.

Tinubu also praised Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, for communicating government policies and promoting the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He acknowledged the challenges associated with his administration’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, currency reforms and changes to the tax system, while praising young supporters for defending the policies despite public criticism.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Credit Corporation of Nigeria and Three Million Technical Talent programme as initiatives to expand access to education, credit and digital skills.

He urged young Nigerians to participate peacefully in politics, mobilise eligible voters and encourage citizens to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the January 16 elections.

Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, said the group had registered 4.8 million members in its database.

He said the movement, whose slogan is “Inform, Engage, Inspire,” was committed to promoting patriotism and responsible political participation.

“We are not just raising members; we are building leaders. Wherever we find young Nigerians, we will carry the message of renewed hope,” Shoga said.

Meanwhile, Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, Ahmed Bala, pledged that the group would deliver 10 million votes for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the administration’s economic reforms were necessary to address longstanding structural challenges, acknowledging the hardships Nigerians had endured.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended the movement’s organisational capacity, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised its use of technology and artificial intelligence to gather data and engage supporters.