Village Boys Movement launches in Abuja, signals grassroots push ahead of 2027 polls
Fresh political alignments are emerging ahead of the 2027 presidential election following the unveiling of the Village Boys Movement in Abuja on Thursday, as supporters of President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi intensify rival grassroots mobilisation efforts.
At the launch, the convener, Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, who styles himself National Village Headmaster, described the platform as a disciplined nationwide movement built on “earned prosperity and service-driven leadership,” rather than proximity to power or displays of wealth.
Ezeoke said the initiative represents what he termed a moral alternative to the “City Boy culture,” which he criticised as a political tendency that thrives on access to state resources and celebrates affluence without measurable productivity.
“We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends,” he said.
According to him, the movement is anchored on three principles: wealth must follow value, power must follow service, and leadership must follow accountability. He argued that Nigerian politics has long rewarded closeness to government instead of innovation and enterprise.
“This is not hostility toward cities,” he added. “It is a moral contrast. The issue is not geography but the source of wealth, the ethics of leadership, and the structure of accountability.”
In outlining the group’s political leanings, Ezeoke cited former Anambra State governor Peter Obi as an example of disciplined governance, praising his record on fiscal prudence and transparency. However, he framed the endorsement as value-based.
“He is not a messiah. Nigeria does not require a saviour figure. Nigeria requires standards,” he said.
The movement also unveiled its motto, “Unbought. Unafraid. Unstoppable,” which Ezeoke said reflects resistance to vote-buying, political intimidation and patronage politics.
As part of its mobilisation strategy, the group announced plans for a proposed Two Million Man March across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the coming weeks, stressing that the rallies would be peaceful, lawful and volunteer-funded.
Beyond public demonstrations, Ezeoke said the movement would build networks “village by village, ward by ward, polling unit by polling unit,” with a focus on civic education, budget monitoring and election integrity.
He urged young Nigerians to resist electoral inducement and intimidation, saying the long-term goal of the Village Boys Movement is to shift the country’s political culture from patronage to productivity and ethical governance.
