2027: YPM Targets 2 Million Votes For Tinubu, YAYI As Artisans, Youths Take Centre Stage In Ogun East
Over 1,100 artisans inaugurated as ambassadors at Ijebu-Ode rally; Abiodun charges APC supporters to deliver bloc votes across all elective positions
From Tailors and Mechanics to Carpenters, Hairdressers, Traders and Young Political enthusiasts, thousands of grassroots supporters converged on Ijebu-Ode on Friday, turning the Ogun East Mega Rally of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) into a massive show of political solidarity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Beyond the colourful political gathering, the rally placed ordinary citizens and occupational groups at the centre of the APC’s mobilisation efforts, with the movement seeking to transform its growing grassroots network into electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, and other APC candidates.
Held at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, the event attracted supporters from all nine Local Government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District, including political leaders, artisans’ Associations, market groups, youth organisations and community mobilisers.
One of the most significant moments was the inauguration of more than 1,100 Artisan Ambassadors drawn from different trades and vocations. The initiative is expected to strengthen the movement’s presence in neighbourhoods, markets, workshops and other community spaces where artisans and informal-sector workers maintain strong connections with residents.
For YPM, the strategy represents an attempt to take political mobilisation beyond conventional party meetings by involving people whose everyday interactions give them access to different segments of society.
Global Mirror News observed that the initiative gave the rally a distinct grassroots dimension, as artisans and other occupational groups were not merely participants but were assigned roles in expanding the movement’s political structures ahead of the next election.
The massive turnout was preceded by a solidarity walk which commenced at about 7:00 a.m. from Mobalufon Junction, with thousands of supporters trekking through major streets of Ijebu-Ode before arriving at the stadium.
Led by drummers, cultural performers and motorbike riders, the procession featured songs, chants and displays of support for the APC and Senator Adeola. Participants also highlighted Adeola’s legislative record, particularly his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
The rally brought together key political figures, legislators, local government chairmen and stakeholders from Ogun East, who reaffirmed their support for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and the APC’s political direction in the State.
Speaking at the event, the convener of YPM, Engr. Akintunde Armstrong, described the gathering as part of a broader strategy to build a formidable political structure capable of delivering electoral victories for the party in 2027.
Armstrong disclosed that the Ogun East rally was the first of three major mobilisation exercises planned by the movement, with similar events scheduled for Ogun Central and Ogun West Senatorial Districts.
He said the turnout demonstrated the level of grassroots commitment to the APC, assuring supporters that the movement would sustain its activities across the state.
“Today, we are sounding it loud and clear that in Ogun State, it is only APC. We will replicate this rally in Ogun Central and Ogun West soon. This massive support is organic, and it will continue until all our candidates are delivered,” he said.
Senator Adeola, in his remarks, expressed delight at the large turnout, particularly the active participation of young people who joined the early morning solidarity walk.
The Senator said the enthusiasm displayed by the youths had further strengthened his confidence in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political future.
He recalled his amazement at seeing thousands of supporters trekking from Mobalufon Junction to the stadium, noting that some had reportedly arrived as early as 7:00 a.m.
“I came in here and I was marvelled at the sea of heads in the solidarity walk for our party, the APC. I hear some of you have been here since 7 a.m. Whatever is making you come this far is a reassurance that my belief in the youth of our country is never misplaced,” Adeola stated.
His remarks underscored the importance of youth participation in political mobilisation, particularly as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 electoral contest.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who attended the rally, also introduced the APC candidates from Ogun East and called on party members to ensure that the party secured victories across all elective positions.
The Governor emphasised that the APC’s electoral strategy must be comprehensive, urging supporters not to concentrate their efforts on individual candidates at the expense of others on the party’s ticket.
Abiodun further reiterated Ogun State’s commitment to delivering two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“We have promised our President two million votes, and not a single vote must be lost. After all, there is no opposition in Ogun State,” the Governor declared.
The Governor ‘s remarks placed renewed emphasis on the party’s target of delivering a united electoral mandate for Tinubu and other APC candidates.
For the thousands of artisans, traders and young people who participated in the rally, the inauguration of the Artisan Ambassadors offered a glimpse into how grassroots groups are increasingly becoming important players in political campaigns.
Global Mirror News reports that while the YPM leadership has expressed confidence in its ability to deliver substantial votes for the APC, the real test will be how effectively the movement sustains its grassroots engagement and converts the enthusiasm witnessed in Ijebu-Ode into measurable electoral support in 2027.
With Ogun Central and Ogun West rallies expected to follow, the movement is positioning itself for a wider political mobilisation campaign across Ogun State.
