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Village Boys Movement Launch Promises Ethical Politics
Village Boys Movement launches in Abuja, advocating ethical leadership, civic engagement, and resistance to vote-buying and patronage
The Village Boys Movement officially launched in Abuja on Thursday, unveiling a civic platform aimed at promoting ethical governance, citizen accountability, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
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The initiative is convened by Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, who styles himself the National Village Headmaster.
Addressing supporters at the launch, Ezeoke described the movement as a disciplined nationwide effort rooted in “earned prosperity and service-driven leadership,” emphasising that wealth and power should follow value and service, rather than proximity to state resources or displays of affluence.
“We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends,” Ezeoke said, framing the platform as a moral alternative to what he called the “City Boy culture” in politics, which he criticised for rewarding access to government over innovation and enterprise.
The movement cited former Anambra State governor Peter Obi as an example of disciplined governance, highlighting his record on fiscal prudence and transparency.
Ezeoke clarified, however, that the endorsement is standards-based rather than personal.
“Nigeria does not require a saviour figure. Nigeria requires standards,” he added.
Adopting the motto “Unbought. Unafraid. Unstoppable,” the Village Boys Movement aims to combat vote-buying, political intimidation, and patronage.
The group announced plans for a Two Million Man March across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that the rallies will be peaceful, lawful, and funded entirely by volunteers.
Beyond mass mobilisation, the movement intends to build networks “village by village, ward by ward, polling unit by polling unit,” focusing on civic education, budget monitoring, and election integrity. Ezeoke appealed to young Nigerians to resist inducements and intimidation at the polls.
“If you refuse to sell your vote, you are unbought. If you refuse to be intimidated, you are unafraid. If you organise lawfully and consistently, you are unstoppable,” he said.
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The long-term goal of the Village Boys Movement is to shift Nigeria’s political culture from patronage and personal gain toward productivity, ethics, and accountable governance.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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