Politics is full of noise, but every now and then, a moment happens that cuts through the crowd and sends a clear message about influence, relevance and rising political capital. That moment came yesterday when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his acceptance speech, specifically acknowledged the solidarity walk organized in his support ahead of 2027 by the City Boy Movement in Cross River State.
In a country where many political groups struggle daily for recognition from the centre, that single mention was not ordinary. It was deliberate. And for many politically conscious youths in Cross River State and across the South/South, it confirmed what has become increasingly obvious; the leadership of the City Boy Movement in the geopolitical zone under Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Suki) is not only active but strategically visible at the national level.
Recognition in politics matters because it reflects access, trust and relevance. Presidents do not randomly mention every support group that marches on the streets. For President Tinubu to publicly recognize the Cross River solidarity movement means the effort stood out among many others across the federation. More importantly, it shows that the South/South chapter of the movement, coordinated by Sen. Ekpenyong and the State led by Eyo Ita Okon has become one of the strongest grassroots political mobilization structures aligned with the President ahead of 2027.
But beyond the optics of political recognition, many young people in Cross River are enthusiastically embracing the movement because the support is not built merely on slogans or social media excitement. It is tied to visible governance outcomes and the emergence of a younger political generation that many youths can directly relate to.
Governor Bassey Otu has played a major role in creating that atmosphere. Across the state, there is a growing perception that his administration is gradually restoring confidence in governance through infrastructure renewal, tourism revival and efforts aimed at stabilizing the economy of the state.
Whether one agrees entirely with his style or not, there is no denying that many young people see in his government a calmer and more inclusive leadership approach compared to the political turbulence of previous years. That stability naturally feeds into support for the broader political family associated with the President.
Nevertheless, another strong driving force behind the youth enthusiasm is Sen. Ekpenyong himself. While many young leaders struggle to justify the confidence placed in them, he has steadily built a reputation anchored on performance and accessibility. From infrastructure interventions to job opportunities, support for small businesses, educational scholarships and empowerment initiatives, he has managed to connect governance directly with the everyday aspirations of young people.
Beyond constituency projects, his voice in the Senate has also strengthened his profile nationally. Through motions, legislative contributions and policy engagement, he has positioned himself as more than just another senator occupying space in Abuja. Many Cross River youths now see him as proof that young leadership can combine intelligence, loyalty and effectiveness without losing touch with the grassroots.
That is why the City Boy Movement in Cross River feels different from the usual politically rented crowd culture Nigerians have become accustomed to. There is a growing emotional investment in it because many young people believe they are not just supporting a President but also supporting one of their own who has earned visibility and influence at the national level.
The bigger lesson from yesterday’s presidential recognition is that political relevance is no longer determined only by age, old alliances or loud rhetoric. It is increasingly shaped by organization, consistency and results. Suki’s leadership of the City Boy Movement in the South/South has now placed Cross River firmly on the national political conversation ahead of 2027.
And for many ambitious young people watching closely, the message from the President’s acknowledgment was unmistakable because when leadership meets performance and grassroots connection, even the highest office in the land takes notice.
Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
Publicity Secretary, City Boy Movement
Cross River State
