President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid has received a major boost from Nigerians in diaspora, as groups unite to rally support across platforms, declaring their intention to mobilize grassroots participation for him ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A statement on Monday said the Director of City Boy Movement in diaspora, Prince Bidemi-Akintunde while speaking at a strategic gathering of diaspora stakeholders and support groups on Sunday, emphasized the importance of youth inclusion, diaspora engagement, and collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.

The strategic engagement, which brought together leaders and members of various support groups in the United Kingdom, was put together by the All Progressives Congress in the United Kingdom under the chairmanship of Hon. Tunde Doherty.

Akintunde who represented the national leadership of the organization, said, “City Boy Movement is about the youth. It is about ensuring that young Nigerians are not spectators but active participants in governance.

The future of Nigeria must be shaped by those who will inherit it.”

Addressing members of various support groups including Renewed Hope platforms and other support group for President Tinubu, Akintunde stressed the need for unity beyond organizational affiliations.

“Regardless of the support group you belong to, as Nigerians in the diaspora, we are one. Our vision and our goal remain the same”, he said.

He highlighted voter apathy during the 2023 general elections, noting that millions of registered voters did not participate. Citing data from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission indicating that approximately 17 million Nigerians reside abroad, he challenged diaspora Nigerians to leverage their influence.

He called on Nigerians in diaspora to commit to influencing at least one eligible voter back home.

“Beyond remote mobilization, many diaspora citizens are also expected to return home to participate directly in the electoral process. A coordinated effort targeting five million diaspora Nigerians could translate into five million additional votes in 2027”, he added.

Akintunde, reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing it as a continuation of policies aimed at securing Nigeria’s economic stability, youth empowerment, and long-term national development.

He urged members to remain focused, organized, and proactive in their engagement efforts.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he has no intention of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party under which he was elected.

He made this declaration on Thursday in Ibadan during the Omituntun Ramadan Lecture.

Addressing party members and supporters at the event, Makinde affirmed his continued loyalty to the PDP, stressing that he remains fully committed to the party and its ideals. He made it clear that he is not considering any move away from the platform.

According to the governor, the PDP should focus more on delivering good governance and tangible results to the people rather than building support around any single individual. He emphasised that public service must remain the primary responsibility of every political office holder.

His remarks come amid growing speculation about possible defections and political realignments within the PDP as politicians begin preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde also spoke on the importance of unity within the party. He noted that while governors and other leaders have the right to make personal political decisions, such actions should not harm the party or weaken its structure.

He added that internal disagreements must be managed carefully to ensure the PDP remains strong and focused on fulfilling its responsibilities to Nigerians.

Leaders of opposition political parties in Nigeria have rejected the amended Electoral Act 2026 recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other major party leaders, criticized the process through which the National Assembly passed the legislation. They described the process as flawed and lacking proper consultation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to position President Tinubu as the only credible presidential contender ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ahmed stated that information available to the opposition indicates that election results can be electronically transmitted from all polling units across the country. He questioned why the new law still retains a provision for manual transmission of results.

He also expressed surprise at the speed with which the President approved the bill, noting that similar urgency had not been shown in signing other pieces of legislation.

According to him, the recently conducted Federal Capital Territory election explains why the APC hurriedly ensured the signing of the Electoral Act.

The coalition of opposition leaders further rejected the outcome of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election. They argued that the poll served as a major test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which, in their view, he failed.