Owerri 'City Boys Movement' Mayhem: Onoh References Previously Outlined Plan

Denge Josef Onoh, former spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the south east and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has revisited his previous warning regarding the City Boys Movement's leadership composition, particularly in the south east region, in light of the recent disruption at a rally in Owerri.

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This disruption, which occurred on Saturday, involved invited youths from across the south east looting empowerment materials at the rally, reportedly due to underpaid transportation fares or a potential conspiracy to sabotage the movement's leadership.

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According to reports, the youths' actions may have been motivated by unpaid mobilisation fees, while others perceive it as an attack on a political group, sparking debate and discussion.

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The City Boys Movement, a pro-government support group advocating for President Tinubu's policies, had organised the rally as part of a broader outreach effort to mobilise young people across the zone.

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In response to the Owerri incident, Onoh recalled that he had advised the national leader of the City Boys Movement, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, on January 26, 2026, to exercise caution in the organisation and coordination of the movement, particularly in the south east zone.

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Onoh's warning, issued in a statement on Sunday, highlighted the potential risks of parallel structures complicating party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing his experience during the 2023 electioneering period.

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He expressed concern for strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region and acknowledged the intention behind youth mobilisation efforts, while stressing the need for alignment with existing party structures and leadership in the South-East.

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Onoh noted that the APC's electoral performance in the South-East has historically lagged behind other regions, making coordination and unity among party stakeholders essential, and advised that new initiatives should complement, rather than compete with, established party mechanisms.

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He cautioned that introducing additional coordinative layers could be misinterpreted by party members and supporters, potentially weakening collective efforts, and may have contributed to the conspiracy behind the rampage.

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Onoh commended the civic interest of business leaders and professionals in national development, but emphasised that public visibility alone does not substitute for long-term political mobilisation.

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He maintained that political engagement in the South-East requires sensitivity to local dynamics, party history, and ongoing efforts by elected officials and party leaders, and called for renewed engagement with party loyalists in the region.

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Onoh stressed the importance of recognition, inclusion, and communication to maintain morale and commitment, and warned that any movement not under the firm control and coordination of APC governors and party structures is "dead on arrival" and a waste of energy.

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He described the composition of the Southeast city boy movement as "transactional" with no interest in the President's agenda, but rather as a political business opportunity for personal gain.

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Onoh noted that the entire south east feels excluded from the current government, leading to anger and frustration, which was evident in the recent disruption, and urged stakeholders to prioritise cohesion, dialogue, and strategic cooperation in advancing the party's objectives.

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He emphasised the need to focus on the Southeast governors to achieve the President's objectives and the City Boys Movement's goals, warning that failure to do so would render the movement ineffective, comparable to a Nollywood celebrity cast movie.