The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the City Boys Movement, a campaign platform associated with President Bola Tinubu, accusing its members of displaying an extravagant lifestyle at a time when many Nigerians are facing severe economic difficulties.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Spokesman, Osa Director, the NDC said the alleged display of luxury by officials of the movement was inappropriate given what it described as the difficult conditions confronting citizens under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
Director specifically criticised reports of City Boys Movement officials travelling in private jets and living in what he described as open luxury. He argued that such conduct demonstrated a disconnect between those associated with the government and Nigerians who are being asked to endure the effects of government policies.
The NDC spokesman described the alleged behaviour as “tone-deaf,” saying it reflected what he considered the administration’s attitude towards the hardship being experienced by ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the contrast between calls for citizens to endure economic pressure and the luxurious lifestyle allegedly enjoyed by some political actors was difficult to justify.
He further accused the administration of asking Nigerians to tolerate the consequences of policies that have increased pressure on households while politicians and their associates allegedly continue to enjoy an expensive lifestyle.
Director said the situation should raise broader concerns about the management of public resources and the priorities of those in government. He argued that the country could not afford a situation in which Nigerians continued to struggle with poverty while public resources were allegedly being used to support what he described as the luxurious lifestyle of a privileged political class.
“The nation is at the precipice. We cannot remain perched on the edge. We must collectively reject wastage and the extravagant lifestyle of a privileged few,” the statement said.
The NDC maintained that the issue went beyond the City Boys Movement itself, linking the alleged extravagance to what it described as wider concerns about waste and accountability under the Tinubu administration. The party said Nigerians should reject what it considers unnecessary expenditure and demand greater responsibility in the management of national resources.
Director also used the criticism to call on Nigerians to oppose the APC at the polls, urging citizens to participate in elections and vote against the ruling party.
“It is our duty as a people and as a nation to say no to the APC by coming out in our numbers to vote them out,” he said.
The NDC spokesman contrasted the alleged conduct of members of the City Boys Movement with what he said was the position of the party’s presidential candidate on public expenditure. He claimed that the candidate had a “zero tolerance” approach to government waste and would prioritise the responsible use of public resources if elected.
“Nigerians can attest to our presidential candidate’s zero tolerance for government waste. With him in charge of the affairs of this nation, the judicious use of the people’s resources will be guaranteed,” the statement added.
The party’s criticism places renewed emphasis on the politically sensitive issue of government spending and the living conditions of Nigerians. While the NDC condemned what it described as excessive luxury among political figures, its statement framed the issue as part of a larger argument over accountability, public resources and the economic pressures facing citizens.
The City Boys Movement was the specific target of the NDC’s criticism, with Director arguing that the alleged lifestyle of its officials was particularly troubling because of its association with the political leadership of the country. The party said Nigerians should not be expected to accept austerity or hardship while political actors allegedly demonstrate access to significant luxury.
The NDC therefore called for a rejection of what it described as wasteful political spending and urged Nigerians to use their votes to demand a different approach to the management of the country’s resources. Its position was presented as part of the party’s broader argument that public funds should be managed more carefully and directed towards the needs of the wider population.
The statement ended with the party reiterating its belief that a change in political leadership could bring greater discipline to the use of government resources, while urging Nigerians to make their choice through the electoral process.
NDC Condemns City Boys Movement Over Alleged Extravagant Lifestyle
