By Emmanuel Iheka

The pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu political structure has initiated a fresh strategy to strengthen its presence in the Southeast, appointing Mazi Franklin Ngoforo as Deputy National Leader (Southeast) of the Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN).

The appointment is part of efforts to revamp grassroots mobilisation and youth engagement in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Political observers say the move follows concerns over the declining influence of the City Boy Movement, which was originally established to mobilise Southeast youths in support of President Tinubu but has reportedly lost momentum across the region.

In a letter signed by the National Leader of RHGN, Hon. Calistus Anyanwu, Ngoforo was mandated to coordinate and drive the organisation’s activities across the five Southeast states, with emphasis on rebuilding grassroots structures, strengthening political engagement and expanding support for the Renewed Hope agenda.

The appointment is being viewed as a strategic adjustment by the Tinubu camp aimed at creating a more structured and locally driven political platform capable of delivering stronger electoral support in the region.

Ngoforo, a politician from Ideato in Imo State, has participated in previous electoral contests and is widely recognised for his grassroots mobilisation efforts and political outreach.

Supporters of the appointment describe him as an experienced political actor with a deep understanding of the region’s political landscape and voter dynamics.

According to analysts, the Southeast remains one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive regions, requiring sustained engagement, credibility and a strong grassroots presence to build public trust and political support.

His emergence is also seen as a shift towards greater youth inclusion, with RHGN opting for experienced younger political leaders to drive mobilisation efforts rather than relying solely on popular movements.

Since the announcement of his appointment, reactions within political circles in the Southeast have been mixed. While supporters have hailed the decision as timely and strategic, others see it as a test of the Tinubu camp’s commitment to meaningful engagement with the region.

With political activities gradually gathering pace ahead of the 2027 election cycle, Ngoforo is expected to play a key role in coordinating the group’s outreach efforts and strengthening support structures across the Southeast.

Observers say the success or otherwise of the renewed grassroots strategy could significantly influence the Tinubu camp’s political fortunes in the region as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.