By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Smart Boys Movement (SBM) has backed the Lagos State governorship bid of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Honourable (Prince) Laja Adeoye, during a strategic meeting to strengthen political mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The delegation, led by the movement’s National Executive Director, Honourable Funso Jide Adekunle, popularly known as Honourable Fushi, used the occasion to discuss political mobilisation, youth participation, and grassroots engagement across Lagos State.
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Other members of the delegation were Honourable Olaoluwa Akinwande Akinsola, National Director for Youth Mobilisation and Election Monitoring; Honourable Adesire Adenekan, South-West Executive Director; Honourable Maleek Babatunde Sannie, Lagos State Executive Director; and Comrade Taiwo Fasina, Lagos State Acting Secretary.
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Speaking during the meeting, Adekunle said the visit was aimed at building strategic partnerships and encouraging greater participation by young people in the political process ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, the movement recognises the importance of engaging political stakeholders and creating platforms through which young people can contribute meaningfully to discussions on the future of Lagos State.
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“We are here because we believe that the future of Lagos requires strategic engagement, responsible leadership and active participation by the younger generation. Our visit to Prince Laja Adeoye is about building understanding, strengthening collaboration and discussing how we can contribute positively to the political process ahead of 2027,” Adekunle said.
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He added that the movement would continue to mobilise its members and engage relevant stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 election gather momentum, while stressing the importance of issue-based politics, peaceful participation and effective grassroots mobilisation.
Responding, APM governorship candidate Prince Laja Adeoye welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for its interest in his campaign and vision for Lagos State.
Adeoye said his ambition was centred on building a Lagos where governance would be more responsive, inclusive and focused on improving the quality of life of residents.
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The APM candidate has described his “Àtúntò Èkó” agenda as a broad governance blueprint covering areas such as economic growth and job creation, affordable housing, education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and accountable governance.
Adeoye said the participation and engagement of youth-focused organisations would be important in building a political process in which young people are not merely spectators but active participants.
He urged members of the Smart Boys Movement and other youth groups across Lagos to remain committed to peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and the development of practical solutions to challenges confronting residents.
Adeoye emerged as the APM’s consensus governorship candidate following the party’s primary election in Lagos, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitoring the process.
In the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and strategic engagement as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
