In a decisive move signaling the start of a long-term political campaign, the City Boy Movement, a prominent political support group, has formally ratified a comprehensive slate of State and Diaspora Directors. This strategic consolidation, approved by Director-General Mr. Francis Shoga, is a foundational step in the group’s meticulous preparations for the 2027 General Elections, underscoring a shift from informal activism to a structured, nationwide political machine.
This development is far more than a routine administrative update. It represents a dual-axis strategy critical in modern Nigerian politics: deepening grassroots penetration across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while simultaneously harnessing the financial, intellectual, and advocacy power of the diaspora community. The appointments follow what Shoga described as “extensive consultations, harmonisation, and internal review processes,” indicating an effort to build consensus and avoid internal fractures that often plague such groups.
In a statement from Abuja, Shoga outlined the core mandates for the newly ratified directors, which reveal the movement’s strategic priorities:
- Strengthening Grassroots Organisation: This involves building ward and local government area (LGA) structures, identifying local influencers, and understanding community-specific issues. A director in Kano, for instance, would focus on a different set of socio-political dynamics than a director in Rivers or Lagos.
- Improving Internal Coordination: Preventing siloed operations and ensuring state chapters align with the national strategy and messaging is crucial for a unified front.
- Enhancing Youth Mobilisation: With a significant portion of Nigeria’s population under 30, effectively engaging this demographic through digital campaigns, campus outreach, and issue-based advocacy is a non-negotiable for electoral success.
- Promoting Disciplined Political Engagement: This suggests a move away from volatile rhetoric, focusing instead on consistent voter education, issue framing, and structured support for the movement’s preferred candidates.
The newly approved directors represent a mix of political scions, professionals, and regional influencers, suggesting a blend of legacy networks and technocratic appeal. Notable names include:
- Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (Oyo): Connects to the political legacy of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
- Sulaiman Ribadu (SAN) (Adamawa): Brings legal gravitas and a respected name in the North-East.
- Akintunde Oludayo (Diaspora): Tasked with coordinating the critical diaspora bloc, often a major source of campaign funding and international lobbying.
- Moyosore Ogunlewe (Lagos) & Babagana Bukar (Borno): Highlight the movement’s reach across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones—from the commercial Southwest to the Northeast.
The full list of ratified directors is: Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (Oyo), Dr Musa Mohammed (Nasarawa), Moyosore Ogunlewe (Lagos), Tiza Isaac Orya (Benue), Nwaneri Chidera (Imo), Paddy Iyamu (Edo), Bitrus Garki (Federal Capital Territory), Mr David Daser (Plateau), Baba Rauf Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Akintunde Oludayo (Diaspora), Sulaiman Ribadu (SAN) (Adamawa), Victor Thompson (Akwa Ibom), Dr Bala Wunti (Bauchi), Gorou Karo (Delta), Ogah Mark (Kogi), Ayodele Olawande (Ondo), Ayorinde Ejioye (Ekiti), Haruna Aliyu (Jigawa), Mutawalle Barko (Yobe), Kamarudeen Yusuf (Ogun), Babagana Bukar (Borno), and Yusuf Ata (Kano).
Shoga noted that appointments for remaining states and chapters would be announced later, indicating this is Phase One of a broader organisational rollout. The success of this structure will depend on the directors’ ability to translate national strategy into local action, manage resources effectively, and build a loyal volunteer base—all while navigating Nigeria’s complex and often contentious political terrain. This ratification sets the stage for the City Boy Movement’s attempt to evolve from a support group into a formidable, election-determining entity.
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
