Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, have commended the Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), Hon. Armstrong Akintunde, for his consistency, and grassroots mobilisation.
The commendations came during the YPM Mega Rally and inauguration of its artisans’ wing held on Friday at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, where thousands of supporters gathered.
Governor Abiodun singled out Akintunde for recognition, describing him as a consistent and dependable loyalist whose efforts have contributed significantly to the growth of the movement.
He disclosed that he had anticipated a modest gathering but was surprised by the massive crowd that welcomed him, which he estimated at over 30,000.
The governor praised the organisers for introducing an individual accreditation process and recalled how YPM has grown organically since 2019.
He charged Akintunde and other leaders to sustain the drive, urging each participant to recruit three additional supporters, which he said could translate the 30,000 attendees into 90,000 more supporters.
Abiodun also appreciated those who travelled from different parts of the state, describing their presence as evidence of commitment.
Senator Adeola equally acknowledged Akintunde’s longstanding contributions, revealing that he has known the YPM convener for more than two decades.
He listed the Ake rally, the 10,000 Youth Movement and the recent inauguration of the Ogun East artisans’ structure as notable milestones in Akintunde’s mobilisation efforts.
Adeola urged supporters to translate the large turnout into electoral participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He assured the governor that the achievements recorded under his administration would be sustained and consolidated.
“We cannot afford to compromise the future of this state. We are on the right track; we are going higher and higher,” Adeola declared.
Earlier, Akintunde thanked Governor Abiodun, Ogun APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi and other party leaders, while outlining YPM’s mobilisation objectives and plans to expand across the state.
He listed the political aspirations of President Tinubu, Senator Adeola, Governor Abiodun and other APC candidates as key priorities of the movement.
Akintunde explained that the Ijebu-Ode rally was part of a broader programme that would extend to Ogun Central and Ogun West.
A major highlight was the inauguration of YPM’s artisans’ wing, designed to incorporate organised professional groups into its grassroots network.
Other speakers included Hon. Segun Kaka, Chief Yemi Sanusi and Otunba Adeleke Adedoyin (Asoludero), who encouraged participants to support Governor Abiodun’s senatorial ambition.
The rally attracted several leaders including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Director-General of the APC Campaign in Ogun State; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo; Mrs Temitope Adeola; and Chief Mrs Aderonke Carew (Rontex), among others.
The event featured performances by Fuji stars King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, while traditionalists, clerics, market women, students and various associations added colour to the gathering.
