As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, several Nigerian celebrities and socialites have openly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in support of his second-term bid.
The supporters, operating under the platform known as the City Boys Movement, have declared their backing for the President’s re-election.
The movement is reportedly championed by Seyi Tinubu, son of the President.
Among prominent figures who have publicly identified with the initiative are businessman Obinna Iyiegbu (popularly known as Obi Cubana), nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, Cletus Oragwa (Zenco), actors Yul Edochie, Zack Orji, Bolanle Ninalowo, Adeniyi Johnson and comedian Seyi Law, among others.
Obi Cubana has reportedly been appointed South-East Zonal Coordinator of the movement, with coordinators emerging across states, local governments and wards nationwide.
The group’s stated objective includes mobilising young entrepreneurs, particularly in the South-East, to align with the President’s political agenda.
The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Comrade Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, alleged that the President has strategically built alliances across key sectors in preparation for 2027.
According to him, influencers and opinion leaders are being mobilised early to shape political narratives ahead of the elections.
On his part, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, questioned the motive behind the formation of the City Boys Movement.
He described it as a structured grassroots mobilisation platform that has grown beyond a campaign tool into an institutional political network operating nationwide.
Eze noted that the movement, which began in 2022 as a youth advocacy platform, has since expanded across the 774 local government areas of the country, engaging in political education and policy advocacy linked to the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He further stated that the involvement of Seyi Tinubu reflects an intersection of youth mobilisation, elite backing and political financing, adding that empowerment initiatives tied to the movement have been deployed in several states.
However, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, argued that celebrity endorsements may have limited electoral impact. He maintained that entertainers and socialites represent only a small fraction of the voting population and questioned their ability to sway economically disadvantaged voters.
Pearse contended that economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity remain major concerns for many Nigerians and suggested that celebrity influence alone may not determine electoral .
Meanwhile, the ruling party has recorded significant political realignments in recent months. Governors, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, have defected from the PDP to the APC.
Reports also indicate that other governors, including Duoye Diri and Peter Mbah, have moved to the ruling party, with speculation surrounding possible additional defections ahead of 2027.
Political observers say the wave of endorsements from influential figures and shifting party allegiances could significantly shape the landscape as Nigeria prepares for the next general election cycle.
