A former South-East spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has advised Seyi Tinubu to be cautious in organizing and coordinating political outreach efforts in the South-East under the City Boy Movement. He warned that the creation of parallel structures could undermine party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onoh, who also chairs the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, citing his experience during the 2023 electioneering period and his concern for strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.
He acknowledged the positive intent behind youth mobilisation initiatives and the participation of notable private-sector actors but emphasised the importance of aligning such efforts with existing party structures and leadership in the South-East to prevent overlap or miscommunication.
Onoh noted that the APC has traditionally performed poorly at the polls in the South-East compared to other regions, making cohesion and effective coordination among party stakeholders critical. He pointed out that APC governors in the zone have been working to strengthen party structures, while collaboration with allied political platforms has helped sustain governance stability in some states.
He advised that any new political initiative should serve to support, not rival, established party frameworks, warning that adding extra layers of coordination could be misconstrued by party members and supporters, thereby weakening collective efforts.
Drawing on past political experiences, Onoh stressed the value of grassroots engagement, organised party structures, and sustained political work, adding that visibility alone cannot replace long-term mobilisation.
While commending the civic involvement of business leaders and professionals in national development, he maintained that political participation in the South-East must be sensitive to local realities, party history, and the ongoing efforts of elected officials and party leaders.
He also called for renewed engagement with party loyalists in the region, underscoring the need for recognition, inclusion, and open communication to sustain morale and commitment.
Onoh concluded by recommending that political mobilisation and campaign coordination in the South-East be driven by APC governors and constitutionally recognised party organs, noting that a unified and consultative approach would better prepare the party for future elections.
He urged all stakeholders to prioritise cohesion, dialogue and strategic cooperation in advancing the party’s objectives nationwide.