The Smart Boys Movement Nationwide (SBM), a youth-based political mobilisation group, has endorsed Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde's presidential ambition under the Action Peoples Party (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was announced on Sunday during the group's official inauguration in Ibadan, Oyo State, attended by youth leaders, women coordinators, grassroots mobilisers and political stakeholders.
Rotarian Funso Jide Adekunle, National Executive Director of SBM, known as Honourable Fushi, stated the movement aims to build a youth-driven platform to mobilise Nigerians for active participation in democratic governance. He said the group's mission includes promoting political education, civic engagement and peaceful mobilisation across the country.
At the event, SBM unanimously adopted Makinde as its preferred presidential candidate and named him National Grand Patron. The group also endorsed APM candidates for key positions in Oyo State, including Hon. Abimbola Adekanbi for governor, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller for Oyo North, and Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidiomo for Oyo South.
Ambassador Ajadi was also adopted as National Patron of the movement. The leadership said the endorsements and appointments were based on the candidates' vision, competence, leadership capacity and commitment to youth inclusion, good governance and national unity.
SBM announced plans to establish operational structures from the national level down to polling units to coordinate political mobilisation. As part of its launch activities, the group paid a courtesy visit to Otunba Seye Famojuro, a key political strategist linked to the Omituntun movement and a close ally of Governor Makinde, who commended the initiative and urged members to remain committed to peaceful politics.
SBM backs a sitting governor for president while also declaring support for multiple APM candidates, including those running in the same state where their patron holds office. The movement's leadership positions Makinde as both political standard-bearer and symbolic figurehead, blurring the line between party aspirant and institutional patron. This dual role could shape youth mobilisation in Oyo as the 2027 elections approach, especially within a party structure still building national visibility. The group's nationwide ambitions rest on a foundation already deeply tied to one state's political network.
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