Focus on young voters, women, PLWDs – Reps Speaker tells City Boy Movement

Focus on young voters, women, PLWDs – Reps Speaker tells City Boy Movement

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday urged the City Boy Movement (CBM) to focus more on young Nigerians, especially those newly registered as voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaker Tajudeen, who gave the charge while addressing a CBM delegation led by its Director-General, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, also urged the group to prioritise women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) as it mobilises support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The Speaker, who welcomed leaders of the CBM on behalf of the 359 other members of the House, said he is “a big supporter of the City Boy Movement.”

Disclosing that his experience on Monday at the State House, where the CBM met with President Tinubu, shaped his perception of the group, Speaker Tajudeen argued that no political group has been as well organised as the CBM.

The Speaker noted that with the membership of the CBM estimated at over four million, if each member brings at least one young voter on board, President Tinubu’s victory in the January 16, 2027 presidential election will be assured.

“You are aware that the youth of the country account for the majority of those who will vote in 2027. There are about 103 million registered voters, with an additional 10.8 million newly registered by INEC, most of whom are young people who did not participate in the last election. Please identify them and make sure that you bring them into your fold,” he said.

Speaker Tajudeen also advised the CBM to maintain its structures beyond the 2027 general elections, noting that the movement should remain relevant in the nation’s political life.

He said the CBM should continue to advocate for good governance, stressing that its mandate should not be solely about winning elections, but about ensuring that good governance is entrenched.

The Speaker further advised the City Boy Movement to consider women and PLWDs in its campaigns, lamenting that Nigeria’s ranking in terms of women’s representation is at an “unfortunate level” of fourth lowest in the world. “This is unacceptable,” he declared.

Speaker Tajudeen announced that President Tinubu has keyed into and adopted legislation by the House to ensure inclusion for women and PLWDs, and is set to transmit executive bills to the National Assembly for their empowerment.

“PLWDs are underrepresented in this country. They have no representation even at the public and civil service level. They have not been given their fair share,” he said.

Advising the City Boy Movement, the Speaker said: “Please, in whatever you do, add those two areas. They are low-hanging fruits.”

Speaking earlier, Mr. Shoga commended the Speaker’s wife for her support and commitment to the cause of the City Boy Movement. “She showed interest from the onset, and today, she is part of the movement,” he said.

The DG stated that the CBM listened to Speaker Abbas’ address at the Monday meeting and has taken his advice.

He also said the City Boy Movement is committed to empowering and educating young Nigerians across the country.

While noting that the CBM has 4.8 million registered members and counting, Mr. Shoga said the movement is targeting at least 10 million votes for President Tinubu’s re-election.

He therefore appealed for Speaker Abbas’ support, guidance, and counsel in building a new Nigeria, particularly in the areas of youth leadership, development, and community service.

“We welcome your proposed PBAT Stewardship Account,” Shoga said, adding that the CBM will remain disciplined, committed, and united for service.

“We want to assure you (the Speaker) that we will not disappoint you,” he stated.