As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, a growing number of celebrities and socialites are publicly throwing their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term. The President, who already commands the support of most governors in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is now seeing significant backing from figures in the entertainment and social scene.
Before the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu received similar endorsements from stars in music, film, and sports, including Seyi Law, Eniola Badmus, Toyin Abraham, Olaiye Igwe, and Lege Miami. Heading into 2027, high-profile figures such as Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), Cletus Oragwa (Zenco), Yul Edochie, Emmanuel Philip, Bolanle Ninalowo, Zack Orji, Adeniyi Johnson, and Seyi Law have publicly declared their support for Tinubu under the banner of the City Boys Movement.
The City Boys Movement, spearheaded by Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, is mobilising young Igbo entrepreneurs to back Tinubu’s re-election bid. Obi Cubana has been appointed South-East Zonal Coordinator, with other members assuming leadership roles across states, local governments, and wards to galvanise support.
Critics, however, argue that the movement risks alienating some Nigerians, particularly in the South-East, where many view Peter Obi as the preferred candidate for 2027. Comrade Engr. Dr. Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, commented that Tinubu’s ability to consolidate influence across sectors—including security, INEC, politics, entertainment, and governance—gives him a near one-party-state advantage heading into 2027.
APC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze explained that the City Boys Movement was founded as a well-resourced youth advocacy platform to promote Tinubu’s re-election, emphasising grassroots mobilisation, political education, and policy advocacy. According to Eze, the movement’s structure spans all 774 local government areas and combines elite patronage with youth empowerment programmes, effectively converting governance initiatives into political capital.
Public affairs analyst Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, however, noted that while the movement may strengthen Tinubu’s appeal among the privileged class, its influence on ordinary voters—especially in the South-East—is likely limited. “Celebrities can draw crowds, but their endorsement does not automatically translate into votes among the general population, who face poverty, insecurity, and unemployment,” he said.
Beyond celebrity endorsements, the APC’s position is further reinforced by the reported defection of several governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), with rumours suggesting that Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas may follow suit. If confirmed, this would bring the total number of governors supporting Tinubu to 30, further consolidating the party’s dominance ahead of the 2027 polls.
The combination of celebrity influence, youth mobilisation, and strategic political realignments underscores the multifaceted approach Tinubu is employing as Nigeria prepares for its next general election.
