Magaji, Okpebholo back Tinubu’s re-election as City Boy Movement storms Edo

Support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid gathered momentum in Edo State this week as youth mobiliser and political leader, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Magaji, joined Governor Monday Okpebholo and other key stakeholders to reaffirm backing for the President during the City Boy Movement South-South Youth Tour and Empowerment Programme in Benin.

The high-level engagement, which brought together leaders of the youth-driven political advocacy platform, marked the movement’s push to deepen grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027, with a strong focus on youth inclusion, empowerment, and political participation.

Governor Okpebholo received the delegation at the Government House, Benin, where he described the City Boy Movement as a strategic platform for national progress and pledged support for its objectives.

He also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, saying the movement aligns with efforts to build a more prosperous and enduring Nigeria.

However, Magaji’s presence at the event drew significant attention, as he framed the movement as more than political mobilisation, describing it as a vehicle for youth advancement and national development.

Speaking during the engagement, Magaji, who is also the CBM’s North Central Youth Coordinator, stated that the growing acceptance of the movement across regions reflects Nigerian youths’ readiness to play a more active role in governance and nation-building.

“The mission remains clear: youth inclusion, empowerment, and progress. This movement is about building a generation that sees itself as part of governance, not outside it,” Magaji said.

He said the warm reception in Edo and the assurances given by Governor Okpebholo underscored growing support for the movement’s vision.

“We are encouraged by the commitment shown here in Edo. The Governor has not only welcomed this initiative, he has reaffirmed Edo’s commitment to the ideals we represent. That is significant,” he added.

Magaji, who engaged alongside the movement’s Patron, Seyi Tinubu, Director-General Shoga Francis, National Coordinator Favor Abayomi, Women Leader Ummusalma Rabiu, South-South directors and other stakeholders, said the tour was designed to take engagement directly to young people at the grassroots.

According to him, the movement is focused on creating opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in politics, understand public policy and contribute to community development.

“This is not just about elections. It is about empowering young people with the confidence, the platform and the tools to shape the future. We are taking that message to every region,” Magaji said.

He further described President Tinubu’s leadership as one that deserves sustained support, arguing that continuity would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“We believe in continuity because development is a process. Supporting President Tinubu’s re-election is about sustaining reforms and ensuring young people benefit from the opportunities being created,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, said the City Boy Movement had shown itself to be a well-coordinated platform deserving support across political and generational divides.

He said the initiative could help reposition Nigerian youths towards a more progressive future.

Also speaking, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawale said the delegation visited Edo to seek collaboration from the state government and the youth population in advancing the movement’s goals.

Other speakers echoed calls for broader youth participation and collaboration ahead of 2027.

The City Boy Movement, a youth-focused advocacy platform backing Tinubu’s administration and re-election, is expected to engage young people across Edo’s 18 local government areas before extending its South-South tour to other states in the region.

For Magaji, the Benin engagement was another sign that momentum is building.

“The movement continues, and the response we are seeing tells us the youth are ready. What we are building is bigger than politics; it is a platform for progress,” Magaji stated.