2027 Mobilization: Saidi Balogun, Yakubu Mohammed, Shehu Abdullahi Anchor City Boy Movement’s Entertainment & Sports Strategy for Tinubu

In a major strategic push to mobilize youth, cultural influencers, and grassroots sports networks across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the City Boy Movement (CBM) has positioned a powerhouse leadership team at the helm of its Entertainment and Sports Directorate.

Led by veteran actor, director, and producer Hon. (Amb.) Saidi Balogun as National Director, alongside Kannywood icon Yakubu Mohammed (Deputy Director, Entertainment) and former Super Eagles star Shehu Abdullahi (Deputy Director, Sports), the trio brings an unparalleled blend of regional reach, star power, and grassroots influence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection campaign.

Together, they represent a unified, cross-regional coalition—spanning the Southwest, North-West, and core northern entertainment and sports networks—ready to take the campaign message directly to millions of young Nigerians through creative storytelling, sports mobilization, and digital media engagement.

A Tripartite Powerhouse: Culture, Screen, and Pitch

Each member of the directorate leadership brings a unique national profile and a deep-seated commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda:

1. Saidi Balogun — National Director (Entertainment & Sports Directorate)

An indigene of Oyo State, Saidi Balogun is one of Nollywood’s most respected and versatile figures. A seasoned actor, filmmaker, and cultural administrator, Balogun’s political pedigree and loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu span decades. Known for his ability to organize the creative industry, Balogun provides the strategic vision for the directorate, bridging the gap between mainstream Nollywood, regional theatre networks, and political advocacy.

“We are not just asking young people to vote; we are engaging them through the channels they love most—movies, music, theatre, and sports,” Balogun noted. “President Tinubu’s structural reforms are laying the foundation for a prosperous Nigeria, and our mandate is to make sure that story is told clearly, authentically, and convincingly across every nook and cranny of this country.”

2. Yakubu Mohammed — Deputy Director (Entertainment)

Hailing from Kano State, Yakubu Mohammed is a household name across Northern Nigeria and beyond. As one of the premier faces of Kannywood and one of the most successful crossover actors into mainstream Nollywood, Mohammed commands massive popularity among Hausa-speaking audiences and northern youth culture. His involvement ensures that campaign messaging, regional skits, and cultural performances resonate powerfully across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.

“Language and culture are the most effective bridges for communication,” Mohammed stated. “Through Kannywood, creative skits, and grassroots town halls, we are taking the achievements of this administration directly to the streets, market places, and digital platforms in the language the people understand best.”

3. Shehu Abdullahi — Deputy Director (Sports)

An indigene of Sokoto State, Shehu Abdullahi is an accomplished international footballer who has represented Nigeria at every major level—including the U-20, U-23 (winning Olympic Bronze at the 2016 Rio Games), and the senior national team, the Super Eagles. Having played extensively in top European and Asian leagues, as well as the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), Abdullahi brings massive leverage among football fans, local academies, and grassroots sports organizations nationwide.

“Sports is Nigeria’s ultimate unifier,” Abdullahi emphasized. “Through grassroots talent discovery tournaments, novelty exhibition matches with retired legends, and sports summits, we are creating platforms to engage millions of young voters. We are showing them that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to infrastructure, youth development, and restoring Nigeria’s pride on the global stage.”

Ready for Full Deployment

With campaign structures rapidly taking shape across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the trio of Saidi Balogun, Yakubu Mohammed, and Shehu Abdullahi is preparing to go full blast.

By uniting Nollywood, Kannywood, and the sports ecosystem under a single campaign banner, the City Boy Movement is building a formidable mobilization engine—one driven by culture, talent, and an unshakeable belief in the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.