A 2027 presidential aspirant on the platform of the National Rescue Movement, Francis Onyema, has faulted critics of the City Boy Movement (CBM), describing the group as a reflection of entrenched political patronage among both the elite and the electorate.
Onyema’s remarks followed a wave of online backlash against prominent businessmen, including Obi Cubana and Cubana Chiefpriest, over their perceived alignment with the pro-Bola Ahmed Tinubu City Boy Movement.
While critics have taken aim at the businessmen over their stance, Onyema argued that such reactions are often hypocritical, noting that many of those condemning them are equally involved in transactional political practices.
“I have carefully examined the situation and found that those who criticise these businessmen are themselves equally immersed in the same distasteful practice of patronage politics,” he said.
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The presidential hopeful cited widespread vote-selling and electoral disruptions as indicators that the “City Boy” mindset—prioritising personal gain over collective national interest—remains pervasive.
“It is our way of life to perceive politics as a means to advance personal interests. As long as this mentality persists, individuals who derive political relevance from wealth and access, rather than competence, will continue to dominate Nigeria’s political space,” Onyema added.
He further questioned the motivations of the businessmen involved, suggesting their participation is driven more by the consolidation of wealth and influence than by alignment with any clear policy direction of the current administration.
According to him, the movement has yet to articulate a convincing programme capable of addressing the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
Onyema, however, maintained that the broader concern should be the need to recalibrate Nigeria’s political culture toward a contest of ideas rather than financial influence.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged Nigerians to reject leaders selected on the basis of past titles or entrenched political structures, advocating instead for candidates with credible plans and a commitment to national sacrifice.
“We can reverse this trend by electing leaders based on practical solutions to our challenges and by recognising that nation-building demands sacrifice,” he said.
