SBM backs Makinde’s presidential bid, endorses APM candidates nationwide

A youth-based political mobilisation group, Smart Boys Movement Nationwide (SBM), has officially endorsed the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, under the APM, while also declaring support for the party’s candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday during the official inauguration and unveiling of the movement in Ibadan, Oyo State, where youth leaders, political stakeholders, women leaders, grassroots mobilisers and community coordinators gathered to launch what the organisers described as a nationwide platform for youth participation in democratic governance.

Among those in attendance were Hon. Olaoluwa Akinsola Akinwande, National Youth Coordinator; Hon. (Mrs.) Risikat Oloyede, Director for Women Mobilisation in Oyo State; Comrade Sarafa, Executive Director, Akinyele Local Government; Hon. Bajegbo Oluwakayode Peter (Hon. BOP), Acting National Secretary; and Mrs Omoyemi Olaleye, Women Coordinator for Ibadan North Local Government, among other political and community leaders.

Addressing members during the inauguration, the National Executive Director of the movement, Rotarian Funso Jide Adekunle, popularly known as Honourable Fushi, said the organisation was established to build a formidable youth-driven support structure capable of mobilising millions of Nigerians toward active participation in the country’s democratic process.

“Our vision is to build a strong grassroots movement that will encourage young Nigerians to become active participants in governance and national development. We believe the future of Nigeria depends on responsible leadership and meaningful youth involvement in politics,” he said.

He added that the movement would work across the country to strengthen democratic values through political education, civic engagement and peaceful mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of the resolutions reached during the inauguration, members unanimously endorsed Governor Makinde as the movement’s preferred presidential candidate under the APM.

The movement also threw its weight behind APM governorship, senatorial, and other candidates nationwide, including Hon. Abimbola Adekanbi for Oyo State governor, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller for Oyo North Senatorial District, and Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidiomo for Oyo South Senatorial District.

According to the movement, the endorsements were based on what it described as the candidates’ “vision, competence, leadership capacity and commitment to promoting good governance, youth inclusion, economic development and national unity.”

In another major decision, members unanimously adopted Makinde as the National Grand Patron of the Smart Boys Movement, citing what they described as his commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.

Similarly, Ambassador Ajadi was adopted as the National Patron of the organisation.

As part of activities marking its official inauguration, leaders and members of the Smart Boys Movement Nationwide paid a courtesy visit to Otunba Seye Famojuro, a prominent political strategist and humanitarian. The visit formed part of the movement’s consultations with influential stakeholders identified with the Omituntun political movement in Oyo State and its broader agenda of youth mobilisation and grassroots participation.

Receiving the delegation, Famojuro, who is widely regarded as one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s closest allies and trusted political confidants, commended the initiative of the movement and encouraged its members to remain committed to peaceful political participation, responsible leadership and community development. The delegation described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with key leaders whose contributions to grassroots politics and governance continue to inspire young Nigerians.

Explaining the decision, the leadership of the movement said, “These appointments reflect our confidence in leaders who have consistently demonstrated commitment to grassroots mobilisation, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.”

The organisation announced plans to establish functional structures at the national, zonal, state, senatorial district, federal constituency, local government, ward and polling unit levels to coordinate its activities and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Adekunle said the movement would immediately commence nationwide membership registration, leadership training, digital mobilisation, voter education and community engagement programmes.

“We are not merely building a political support group. We are building a movement that will promote civic responsibility, peaceful democratic participation, leadership development, and service to humanity,” he stated.

He stressed that the organisation would continue to advocate issue-based politics, accountability, transparency, patriotism, innovation and national unity.

The movement also appealed to Nigerian youths, students, artisans, entrepreneurs, professionals and women to join its campaign for increased grassroots participation in governance.

“Our doors are open to every patriotic Nigerian who believes that the future of this country can be transformed through responsible leadership, peaceful participation and collective action,” Adekunle added.

The inauguration ended with members pledging to support the Allied Peoples Movement through peaceful mobilisation, voter education and sustained grassroots engagement across the country as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The Smart Boys Movement Nationwide describes itself as a youth-led grassroots organisation dedicated to leadership development, democratic participation, political education, community service and nation-building. Guided by its motto, “Smart Thinking, Smart Leadership, Smart Future,” the organisation says it aims to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.