The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on young people across the state and the country to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, made the call on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Cityboy Movement in Lagos.
Represented by the APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Moshood Mayegun, Ojelabi urged young people to take an active role in governance and grassroots political engagement to ensure the party’s success in the next general elections.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the South-West would emerge victorious in 2027.
“The Cityboy Movement is meant to empower young people. It is not only for today but also for the future. I believe everything this movement stands for will be achieved.
“Our council chairmen are making the work easier for the party, and we appreciate your efforts. We will continue to support you. Go all out to canvass support for President Bola Tinubu.
“In Lagos, our youths must mobilise effectively. What happened in 2023 is a great lesson, and we must ensure that it does not repeat itself. We must all go out to campaign and mobilise support for the party,” he said.
The inauguration, held at the movement’s state secretariat in Lagos, attracted APC leaders, local government chairmen, youth organisations, traditional rulers, ethnic groups and other political stakeholders from across the country.
In his keynote address, the National Director-General of the Cityboy Movement, Hon. Oluwatosin Shoga, described the inauguration as “a call to responsibility” rather than merely the unveiling of another state chapter.
Shoga said the movement was founded on three pillars — inform, empower and inspire — and is designed to encourage young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Today is more than an inauguration. It is a platform for us, as young people, to discuss ways to move the country forward.”
While reaffirming the movement’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, he said its long-term vision extends beyond the 2027 elections to youth empowerment, educational advancement and sustainable national development.
“We are not here to joke. We are here for a serious mission in Lagos. It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that we inaugurate the movement in Lagos. We have inaugurated a group of active participants in the country’s development.
“I want to pay tribute to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has positively impacted the lives of young Nigerians.
“Let us go out there and spread the message of hope. Let us build a movement that inspires and transforms the lives of Nigerian youths.”
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cityboy Movement, Lagos State Chapter, and Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, said the movement was established to inspire, empower and engage young Nigerians while promoting civic responsibility and national unity.
He said the organisation aims to bridge the gap between the government and the nation’s youthful population by encouraging greater participation in governance beyond electioneering.
According to him, the movement will adopt a grassroots mobilisation strategy by building support from polling units, wards and communities across Lagos State.
Ogunlewe added that the movement remained committed to advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while promoting discipline, responsible citizenship and national development.
“Our objective is to promote national unity, civic enlightenment and responsible leadership. Every patriotic Nigerian has a place in the Cityboy Movement, regardless of tribe or background,” he said.
He described the inauguration as another milestone in the expansion of the movement, which was founded in 2022 to support President Tinubu’s political vision. He also commended its founder, Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu, for inspiring young Nigerians to become active participants in nation-building.
Also speaking, the Director of Local Government for the Cityboy Movement and Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Sesan Olowa, pledged the support of all local government chairmen in Lagos State for the movement.
He expressed confidence that the APC would record victory in the 2027 elections, citing what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
The son of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Amir Kashim Shettima Jr., described the movement as an inclusive platform for Nigerians committed to building a more prosperous nation and urged members to remain steadfast in pursuing its vision.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Hon. Moremi Ojudu, called on members to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to communities across the country.
She urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation ahead of the 2027 elections, saying President Tinubu remained committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Among the dignitaries at the inauguration were the founder of the Cityboy Movement, Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu; Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; National Director-General of the movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga; local government chairmen from across Lagos State; zo
nal party leaders; traditional rulers; and other political stakeholders.
