FCT HEADMASTER OF THE VILLAGE BOYS MOVEMENT BACKS PETER OBI, PREDICTS STRONGER NORTH-CENTRAL SHOWING IN 2027
Babalikita says grassroots mobilisation, youth participation and polling-unit vote protection will be critical to Obi’s electoral prospects.
By Njenje Media News
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Village Headmaster of the Village Boys Movement (VBM), Najeeb Suleiman Babalikita, has expressed confidence that Peter Obi will strengthen his electoral support across Nigeria’s North-Central region in the 2027 presidential election.
Babalikita made the remarks during an appearance on Nigeria Right Now with Dixon, where he discussed the political outlook ahead of the 2027 elections, the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration and the role of grassroots mobilisation in determining the next president.
He argued that economic hardship, insecurity and growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration could influence voters’ decisions, insisting that Nigerians should have the opportunity to hold political leaders accountable for their performance in office.
Obi’s prospects in the North-Central
The VBM leader expressed optimism about Obi’s chances in Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Benue and Niger states, arguing that the political dynamics ahead of the next election would differ from those of 2023.
According to him, the growing political engagement of young Nigerians could prove decisive, particularly in communities where voters are increasingly concerned about economic opportunities, security and accountable leadership.
Babalikita maintained that Obi’s message of prudent management of public resources, competence and integrity could resonate with voters beyond his traditional support base.
He acknowledged that Obi did not win every state in the region during the previous election but argued that the next contest should be assessed on its own political realities rather than solely on past results.
Criticises Tinubu administration over economic hardship
Babalikita also criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy, highlighting the difficulties Nigerians face in coping with fuel costs and the rising cost of living.
He argued that the objective of subsidy reform should be to eliminate corruption while ensuring that petroleum products remain affordable to ordinary Nigerians.
The VBM FCT Headmaster further questioned the government’s recent adjustments to fuel subsidy policy, suggesting that the timing raised concerns about political considerations ahead of the elections.
On security, he expressed concern over persistent kidnapping and banditry in parts of northern Nigeria, arguing that the protection of lives and property must remain a central responsibility of government.
He also called for greater fairness in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources, particularly the need for communities to benefit from economic activities taking place in their areas.
Defends Obi-Kwankwaso alliance
Babalikita described the emerging Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as an opportunity to mobilise voters through two political figures he said had established significant grassroots followings.
He pointed to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s investments in education in Kano State and Obi’s record in public resource management as factors that could strengthen the appeal of their political partnership.
He also rejected the argument that the 2027 election should be determined primarily by regional considerations, insisting that Nigeria needs a candidate capable of building a broad national consensus.
Babalikita argued that a Peter Obi presidency could provide an opportunity to promote national unity and address longstanding questions of fairness, inclusion and belonging.
VBM targets grassroots mobilisation
Outlining the movement’s preparations for 2027, Babalikita said the Village Boys Movement was engaging communities, young people, students and other stakeholders across the FCT.
He said the movement intended to strengthen its presence at polling units and improve on what he described as shortcomings in electoral representation during the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the movement’s objective is not merely to mobilise supporters before election day but also to ensure that votes are properly monitored and protected throughout the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that stronger organisation and greater vigilance would help Obi’s supporters translate their political enthusiasm into votes.
Youth participation central to 2027
The VBM leader maintained that young Nigerians would have a significant role in determining the outcome of the next presidential election.
He argued that the country’s future depended on electing leaders who could manage public resources responsibly, strengthen security, improve food sufficiency and create opportunities for younger generations.
Babalikita also challenged political leaders to recognise that public office carries an obligation to serve citizens rather than pursue power at all costs.
He concluded by reiterating his confidence in Obi’s prospects, maintaining that grassroots organisation, voter participation and effective protection of votes would be crucial to the opposition candidate’s ambitions in 2027.
The electoral projections and political assessments in this report reflect Babalikita’s views as expressed during the interview. The eventual outcome of the 2027 election remains uncertain.
