**says President’s approach strengthens electoral institutions, urges City Boy Movement to sustain grassroots mobilisation

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for refusing to interfere in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, describing the decision as a clear demonstration of his commitment to democratic principles and the independence of electoral institutions.

Akume spoke on Thursday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the national headquarters of the City Boy Movement, where he said Tinubu’s conduct before and during the election represented a departure from practices associated with previous administrations.

According to the SGF, the President deliberately allowed the electoral process to run without interference, stressing that such an approach was essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“The President never bothered to intervene in the electoral process that was recently concluded in Osun State. That is what democracy should be about. It is way better than what used to happen in the past,” Akume said.

He maintained that Tinubu’s approach reflected the disposition of a leader determined to consolidate democratic governance while simultaneously implementing reforms to reposition the economy.

Akume listed reforms in taxation, education, healthcare, agriculture and women empowerment among areas where he said the administration was making significant progress.

On taxation, the SGF said ongoing efforts to establish a unified tax system were designed to create a more efficient, transparent and sustainable fiscal environment.

He also cited interventions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the expansion of specialised healthcare facilities as evidence of the administration’s efforts to widen access to education and improve healthcare delivery.

Akume urged Nigerians to see the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as an asset rather than a source of division.

“This is a huge country with diverse people. We should not turn this diversity and pluralism into negativity. We should use these to build our country in a positive way,” he said.

The SGF said the Federal Government remained focused on delivering on its constitutional responsibilities and implementing programmes capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He pointed to ongoing initiatives in agriculture, water resources and other strategic sectors, saying the administration was determined to lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

Akume also urged members of the City Boy Movement to remain committed to communicating the policies and programmes of the administration to Nigerians, while warning them against being distracted by critics.

“Never look back and don’t allow anyone to deceive you. You are adequately positioned to communicate the achievements of this administration to the people,” he said.

The SGF called for greater emphasis on national unity, democratic consolidation and inclusive development, stressing that Nigerians must channel their energies towards building the country rather than deepening existing divisions.

“You are doing the right thing. We love our country. This is the time to begin to build and it is precisely what you are doing. This is our country,” Akume said.

Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Shoga Francis, thanked the SGF for visiting the movement’s national headquarters, describing the visit as a demonstration of his commitment to engaging young Nigerians and grassroots stakeholders in the task of nation-building.

Shoga reaffirmed the movement’s support for President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would expand its mobilisation structures across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and its diaspora chapters.

He said the movement was targeting the mobilisation of 10 million young Nigerians through an extensive membership drive ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“As a movement, we are determined to work tirelessly across the 36 states of the federation, the FCT, and our diaspora structures to mobilise Nigerians, particularly young people, towards a decisive and overwhelming victory for Mr President in the 2027 general elections,” Shoga said.

He explained that the proposed 10-million-member mobilisation was not solely aimed at electoral support but also at creating a broad grassroots network capable of engaging communities, communicating government policies and encouraging informed and responsible participation in the democratic process.

According to him, the movement would strengthen its presence down to ward and polling-unit levels while promoting peaceful mobilisation, national unity and citizen engagement.

The Director-General said the movement remained committed to securing what he described as a “massive and historic electoral mandate” for Tinubu in 2027.

The highlight of the visit was the conferment on Akume of the position of Chairman, Advisory Council of the City Boy Movement, in recognition of his contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda and his engagement with young Nigerians.