Governor, incoming governor praise YPM convener’s commitment as thousands gather for Ogun East Mega Rally and artisans’ inauguration in Ijebu-Ode

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s incoming governor, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), have commended the Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), Hon. Armstrong Akintunde, for his consistency, commitment and sustained grassroots political mobilisation.

The commendations came during the YPM Mega Rally and inauguration of its artisans’ wing held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, where thousands of supporters and members of different community groups gathered ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Abiodun specifically recognised Akintunde as the driving force behind the large-scale gathering, describing him as consistent, dependable and committed to the party.

The governor said he had expected a relatively small event when he received the invitation but was surprised by the massive crowd that welcomed him on arrival at the stadium.

Estimating attendance at more than 30,000, Abiodun praised the organisers for the individual accreditation process adopted for participants and recalled that the movement had grown organically since 2019.

He urged Akintunde and other YPM members to sustain the momentum, challenging each participant to mobilise three additional supporters. According to him, if the estimated 30,000 attendees could each bring three more people, the movement could generate an additional 90,000 votes in the area.

Abiodun also thanked participants who travelled from different locations to attend the rally, describing their presence as a demonstration of loyalty and commitment to the party.

The commendation was reinforced by Senator Adeola, who also acknowledged Akintunde’s longstanding contribution to the political movement, saying he had known the YPM convener for more than 20 years.

Adeola identified the Ake rally, the 10,000 Youth Movement and the inauguration of the Ogun East artisans’ structure as notable stages in Akintunde’s mobilisation efforts, recognising his consistency in building the movement’s grassroots presence.

The senator urged supporters to convert the impressive turnout into votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

He also assured Governor Abiodun that the achievements recorded under his administration would be sustained, while ongoing developmental efforts would be consolidated and taken to a higher level.

"We cannot afford to compromise the future of this state. We are on the right track; we are going higher and higher," Adeola said.

He attributed prevailing political developments in the opposition camp to divine intervention, declaring, "We are not taking credit for it; it is simply God's hand."

Earlier, Akintunde acknowledged Governor Abiodun, Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, and other party leaders, while outlining YPM’s mobilisation objectives and plans to expand its grassroots structures across the state.

He identified the political aspirations of President Tinubu, Senator Adeola, Governor Abiodun and other APC candidates as key priorities of the movement.

Among the political office seekers he mentioned were Senator Adeola as the incoming governorship candidate, with Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun as his proposed running mate; Hon. Lukman Adeleye, seeking a second term; Hon. Funmilayo Temidayo Efuwape for Odogbolu State Constituency; Omoba Damilare Bello for Sagamu Constituency I in the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Daddah for the House of Representatives; and Barr. Mokesioluwa Seun-Adedamola for Ijebu-Ode State Constituency, among others.

Akintunde said the Ijebu-Ode rally was part of a wider mobilisation exercise that would extend to Ogun Central and Ogun West, urging members to reach every nook and cranny of the state to canvass support for APC candidates.

The rally also featured the inauguration of YPM’s artisans’ wing, an initiative aimed at bringing organised professional groups into the movement’s grassroots network. The structure is expected to be extended to the other two senatorial districts as YPM broadens its statewide activities.

Other speakers included Hon. Segun Kaka, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi and Otunba Adeleke Adedoyin (Asoludero), who encouraged participants to support Governor Abiodun’s senatorial ambition.

The gathering attracted several political leaders and stakeholders, including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Director-General of the APC Campaign in Ogun State; Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; members of the state executive; Mrs Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Adeola; and Chief Mrs Ronke, popularly known as Rontex.

Also present were Are Tunde Adesanya, Dr Kehinde Bello, Prince Farouk Adenuga, Prince Akeem Awolesi, Hon. Seye Adeniyi and Aremo Tunde Akinsanya, among other political leaders.

Fuji music stars King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma entertained the crowd, while traditionalists, religious clerics and their members, market women, students, traditional security groups and various associations contributed to the colourful atmosphere.

The strong turnout and public recognition from the governor and the incoming governor mark a significant moment for Akintunde and the YPM leadership as they seek to consolidate their grassroots structures and extend their reach across Ogun State.