By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Fresh political undercurrents are gathering ahead of the 2027 presidential race following the unveiling of a new civic platform, the Village Boys Movement, in Abuja on Thursday, as supporters of President Bola Tinubu and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi intensify grassroots mobilisation across the country.
Recall the supports of President Bola Tinubu earlier launched ‘The City Boy Movement’, a political and youth-driven branding wave, rooted in his long-standing nickname “City Boy,” which reflects his image as a savvy urban political strategist and power broker. Popularized during the 2023 presidential campaign, the movement became a rallying identity among supporters—especially young Nigerians—symbolizing political dominance, streetwise leadership, and loyalty to Tinubu’s political ideology.
The convener of the movement, Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, who styles himself the National Village Headmaster, described the initiative as a disciplined nationwide citizens’ platform focused on what he termed “earned prosperity and service-driven leadership.”
Ezeoke said the movement was conceived to promote values-based politics rather than what he criticised as a culture that rewards proximity to political power and celebrates wealth without measurable productivity.
“We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends,” he declared while addressing supporters.
According to him, the movement is anchored on three core principles: that wealth must follow value, power must follow service, and leadership must follow accountability.
He argued that Nigeria’s political space has, for decades, incentivised closeness to government instead of innovation, enterprise and measurable public service.
“This is not hostility toward cities,” Ezeoke clarified. “It is a moral contrast. The issue is not geography but the source of wealth, the ethics of leadership, and the structure of accountability.”
Political observers say the emergence of the group adds a new layer to early permutations ahead of the 2027 contest, with both ruling party loyalists and opposition supporters already stepping up field operations nationwide.
In outlining the movement’s political leanings, Ezeoke cited Obi as an example of what he described as disciplined governance, particularly praising the former governor’s record on fiscal prudence and transparency.
However, he was careful to frame the reference as value-driven rather than a blanket political endorsement.
“He is not a messiah. Nigeria does not require a saviour figure. Nigeria requires standards,” Ezeoke said.
The group also unveiled its motto: “Unbought. Unafraid. Unstoppable”, which the convener said symbolises resistance to vote-buying, political intimidation and patronage politics.
As part of its early mobilisation strategy, the movement announced plans for a proposed Two Million Man March to be staged across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the coming weeks. Ezeoke emphasised that the rallies would be peaceful, lawful and volunteer-driven.
“They will be powered by conviction, organised by volunteers, and sustained by citizens who are unbought, unafraid, and unstoppable,” he stated.
Beyond mass rallies, the movement outlined an organisational model focused on building structures from the grassroots level.
According to Ezeoke, the platform intends to grow its networks “village by village, ward by ward, polling unit by polling unit,” with strong emphasis on civic education, public budget monitoring and protection of electoral integrity.
He used the occasion to appeal directly to young Nigerians, urging them to resist inducement and intimidation during elections.
“If you refuse to sell your vote, you are unbought. If you refuse to be intimidated, you are unafraid. If you organise lawfully and consistently, you are unstoppable,” he said.
The convener added that the long-term objective of the Village Boys Movement is to help shift Nigeria’s political culture away from patronage politics toward productivity, accountability and ethical governance.
