City Boy Movement Clarifies Membership Drive, Distinguishes It From INEC Voter Registration
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has officially responded to misleading reports and misconceptions surrounding its ongoing nationwide membership registration exercise.
CBM, a prominent political organization with Seyi Tinubu as its patron, plays a key role in mobilizing support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released by O’tega Ogra, the group’s Deputy Director-General of Media, Communication, and Public Affairs, the movement clarified that its internal database is completely independent of statutory electoral processes.
The full statement, titled “CBM MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION IS VOLUNTARY AND DISTINCT FROM INEC VOTER REGISTRATION,” reads below:
The attention of the City Boy Movement (CBM) has been drawn to misleading reports and commentary concerning its ongoing membership registration exercise. We issue this clarification to explain the exercise, address misconceptions and safeguard the legitimate interests of the Movement, its Patron, officers and members.
1. CBM’s membership registration exercise is intended to maintain membership records, strengthen its organisational structures and coordinate its activities. Registration is open to existing members and Nigerians who voluntarily wish to join the Movement. Registration is available physically and online through “www.cbmnigeria.org” (https://www.cbmnigeria.org).
2. CBM membership registration and INEC voter registration serve distinct purposes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally responsible for registering eligible voters and preparing, maintaining and revising the register of voters. CBM’s membership register serves the Movement’s organisational purposes.
3. Registration with CBM does not register anyone to vote, does not confer voting eligibility, does not amend any person’s entry in INEC’s register, and does not replace any requirement prescribed by INEC. A CBM membership form or card is not an INEC registration document or a voter’s card. The existence of a membership register does not, by itself, establish interference with or manipulation of the electoral register.
4. Participation is entirely voluntary. Every individual remains free to decline membership, withdraw from the Movement and exercise independent political and electoral choices. CBM recognises the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, exercised within the framework of applicable law.
5. No Nigerian is being coerced or otherwise compelled to register with CBM, and CBM does not impersonate INEC, does not misrepresent the purpose of the exercise and does not present CBM membership documents as official electoral documents. CBM does not interfer with any person’s electoral rights.
6. Protecting members’ personal information is an essential obligation. Everyone handling CBM registration information on behalf of CBM ensures they comply with applicable data protection laws. Personal information is collected and processed fairly, lawfully, transparently and for specified lawful purposes, with appropriate safeguards against unauthorised access, use or disclosure. On all occasions, participating members of the public receive clear information from CBM officers about the processing of their data and their applicable privacy rights. Any consent required by law is freely given, specific and informed.
7. CBM welcomes legitimate enquiries, lawful criticism and evidence-based scrutiny. Anyone with specific concerns or evidence of misconduct connected with the exercise may report through the Movement’s verified official communication channels. CBM will review complaints fairly and cooperate with lawful enquiries, while respecting the rights of complainants and persons against whom allegations are made.
8. We expect political leaders, commentators and media organisations to distinguish membership registration from statutory voter registration and to verify information before making or circulating allegations publicly. Responsible public commentary requires accuracy, fairness and a clear distinction between allegations and established facts.
9. The same standards apply to references to our Patron, Mr Seyi Tinubu. We respectfully reject attempts to attribute any wrongdoing to him, or to the Movement’s officers or members, merely because of their association with CBM. Any specific allegation should identify the conduct complained of and the facts supporting it. Political disagreement is legitimate, but it should not become a basis for unsupported accusations or malignant and unjustified personal vilification.
CBM remains focused on constructive public engagement, its programmes, the Renewed Hope Agenda and support for the re-election of our Grand Patron, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through peaceful and lawful democratic participation and in accordance with applicable electoral laws and regulations.
We will continue to engage Nigerians respectfully and lawfully, to uphold voluntary participation and to conduct our activities responsibly. The Movement reserves its right to seek appropriate lawful remedies where warranted, and it recognises the corresponding rights of its Patron, officers and members, while respecting freedom of expression and legitimate public scrutiny.
Signed:
O’tega Ogra
Deputy Director-General, Media, Communication and Public Affairs
City Boy Movement
