YPM MEGA RALLY: DEMONSTRATING STRENGTH AND 2027 READINESS |

By Oluseun O. Joshua

With an impressive gathering of party leaders, political stakeholders, artisans, students and youths, the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) has reinforced its growing political presence in Ogun State, demonstrating its organisational capacity and commitment to grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The recently concluded Ogun-East Mega Rally of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), held at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, was more than a political gathering. It was a significant demonstration of organisational coordination, grassroots engagement and the movement’s expanding influence within the political landscape of Ogun State.

Months of preparation, strategic planning and mobilisation culminated in an event that brought together 30,000 thousands of supporters, party faithful and political stakeholders from across Ogun-East Senatorial District. The scale of participation and the calibre of personalities in attendance further underscored the movement’s determination to consolidate its structures and strengthen its presence across the state.

Since its transition from the Omoluabi Movement to the Yayi Progressives Movement, the organisation has continued to record notable milestones. Among these were its inauguration ceremony at Ake Palace, Abeokuta and the mobilisation of 10,000 youths and students at a separate programme in Abeokuta. These activities have formed part of a progressive effort to establish a more coordinated and inclusive political support structure.

The Ogun-East Mega Rally represented another significant chapter in that journey, particularly with the inauguration of the movement’s Artisan, Women, Students and Youth wings. The development reflects YPM’s emphasis on building an inclusive organisational framework that recognises the importance of different social and professional groups in grassroots political engagement.

The event attracted the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, the deputy Governorship candidate Mrs. Abiodun Balogun; the APC State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Senator Olalekan Mustapha; and several other prominent party leaders and political stakeholders, particularly from Ogun-East senatorial district.

Adding colour and entertainment to the occasion were celebrated music personalities, including King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) and Alhaji Pasuma, alongside other performers and side attractions. Their appearances contributed to the festive atmosphere and further heightened the excitement among participants.

Under the leadership of its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, alongside the Co-Conveners, State Coordinator, Apex Body and other executive members, YPM used the rally to demonstrate the strength of its grassroots network in Ogun-East senatorial district.

According to the movement, more than 30,000 members and supporters participated in the rally, representing a significant mobilisation effort from its documented membership base of 90,600. While the attendance figure reflects the organisation’s own records and estimates, the gathering offered a visible indication of its mobilisation ambitions and expanding political structures.

Speaking at the event, the Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, explained that the Ogun-East Mega Rally was designed not merely as a show of strength but also as an opportunity to demonstrate the movement’s readiness to support all APC candidates across the senatorial district.

He emphasised that the rally was intended to reassure party candidates of the movement’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation and electoral support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akintunde further disclosed that similar mobilisation activities were being planned for Ogun Central and Ogun West before the end of the year, in addition to other programmes already outlined in the movement’s strategic calendar most especially its Mega Empowerment programme.

The movement’s development is particularly noteworthy when viewed against the background of its evolution. From its initial involvement in the Dapo Abiodun Continuity Agenda (DACA), through its Omoluabi Movement phase, and now as the Yayi Progressives Movement, the organisation has continued to expand its political identity, membership base and operational structures.

Its deliberate effort to establish dedicated wings for artisans, women, students and youths also distinguishes its organisational approach. By creating platforms for these groups to participate in its activities. YPM appears focused on building a progressive grassroots network that extends beyond conventional political mobilisation.

For a political support organisation seeking relevance ahead of a major electoral cycle, the ability to combine membership expansion, leadership coordination and sustained engagement at the grassroots remains an important measure of organisational development.

The YPM Ogun-East Mega Rally therefore represents a significant statement of intent by the movement. Beyond the impressive gathering and entertainment, its central message was one of political organisation, collective participation and readiness for the challenges of the coming electoral season.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the movement’s leadership, particularly its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, for the successful organisation of the rally. He also expressed confidence in YPM’s mobilisation capacity, describing the movement as being well positioned to support the APC and its candidates.

As preparations gradually gather momentum towards 2027, the next major test for YPM will be its ability to translate the enthusiasm, organisational structures and mobilisation capacity displayed at Ijebu-Ode into sustained grassroots engagement and measurable political participation across all three Senatorial districts.

For now, the Ogun-East Mega Rally has added another milestone to the movement’s development, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a formidable and well-structured political support platform in Ogun State.