Diri Pledges Support For City Boy Movement Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the City Boy Movement (CBM) in its efforts to mobilise youth participation and advance the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Diri made this known on Tuesday while receiving members of the youth-focused political advocacy group at Government House in Yenagoa. The delegation was led by the group’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Shoga.
The City Boy Movement is widely recognised for promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, with a focus on youth mobilisation and political engagement.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Diri noted that the vision of the CBM aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people and positioning them as active leaders in governance.
He emphasised that his government has consistently prioritised youth inclusion, citing the appointment of one of the youngest commissioners in his cabinet as Commissioner for Youth.
“We believe that youths must be leaders of today, not tomorrow. Grooming our young people remains the surest path to building a better Nigeria,” the governor said.
While acknowledging the group’s political objective of supporting President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, Diri stressed the need for broader youth development beyond politics. He urged the movement to focus on socio-economic empowerment initiatives that would equip young Nigerians with the tools for self-reliance and national development.
The governor also reiterated his long-standing advocacy for a single tenure of six years for elected executives, arguing that the current four-year term often limits meaningful performance assessment and diverts attention to re-election campaigns.
“A single six-year tenure will allow leaders to concentrate fully on governance, development, and progress without unnecessary political distractions,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about political violence, Diri warned against the exploitation of youths for thuggery and other disruptive activities, both online and offline. He called for a more responsible and issue-based democratic culture.
“We must end the use of youths for violence, intimidation, and the spread of falsehood. Democracy should encourage constructive engagement and solutions, not propaganda,” he added.
He further advised members of the group to maintain peace and order during their planned rally in the state.
In his remarks, CBM Director-General Oluwatosin Shoga said the movement is committed to mobilising, empowering, and strategically positioning young Nigerians as key stakeholders in governance and national development.
Shoga commended Governor Diri for his youth-oriented policies and described his administration’s performance as impactful, noting that President Tinubu had also acknowledged developmental strides in Bayelsa during a recent visit.
He assured that the City Boy Movement would continue to collaborate with the state government to foster youth development and sustain political engagement.
