• Why we’re rooting for Yayi as next Ogun governor
Despite the biting economic hardship and lingering security concerns across the country, a chieftain of the Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) and APC chieftain in Ogun State, Armstrong Tope Akintunde, insists President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms are setting Nigeria on the path to long-term prosperity.
In this interview, the grassroots mobiliser and real estate executive speaks on the state of the economy, the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reported Senate ambition and why, in his view, Ogun State should produce its first governor from Yewa.
He also makes a strong case for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the most qualified successor to Governor Abiodun, while reflecting on his own journey from the private sector to frontline politics.
As convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement and Chairman of Aerofield Homes Limited, how have you successfully balanced business with politics?
I believe success comes from having clarity of purpose. Real estate is my profession, while politics is my passion for public service. I started both journeys early in life, and today, by God’s grace, both my company and political movement have become household names. I don’t see the two as conflicting. They complement each other because each serves different purposes. Business enables me to contribute economically, while politics allows me to contribute socially and politically. Proper planning, discipline and commitment have made it possible to manage both successfully.
What inspired the formation of the Yayi Progressives Movement?
The movement has evolved through different stages of political engagement. Ahead of the 2023 general election, it began as the Dapo Abiodun Continuity Agenda (DACA), established to support Governor Dapo Abiodun’s re-election. As political realities changed and consultations expanded, the platform transformed into the Omoluabi Movement to embrace broader progressive ideals centred on inclusiveness and people-oriented leadership. Following strategic collaborations with several political support groups, including artisan associations across Ogun State, it eventually became the Yayi Progressives Movement.
This transformation was deliberate. It reflects our determination to build a stronger grassroots political platform capable of mobilising citizens across all parts of Ogun State under a shared progressive vision.
Nigeria is currently facing economic and security challenges. Do you believe President Bola Tinubu’s policies will ultimately deliver the desired results?
Every nation passes through difficult periods. Nigeria is not an exception. While the present economic and security challenges are real, I believe they are temporary and that the country is on the path to recovery. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to address insecurity, strengthen the economy and reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth. These reforms may be difficult in the short term, but I am confident history will acknowledge them as necessary steps towards rebuilding the country. No Nigerian is happy about the present hardships, particularly insecurity, but meaningful reforms require patience. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. My appeal to Nigerians is to remain supportive, united and hopeful. I believe the sacrifices being made today will ultimately yield positive results for the nation.
What distinguishes the Yayi Progressives Movement from other political groups in Ogun State?
The Yayi Progressives Movement has grown into one of the largest grassroots political organisations in Ogun State, with membership exceeding 50,000 across the state’s 20 local government areas.
Our strength lies in inclusiveness. We bring together youths, women, artisans, students, professionals, community leaders and party loyalists under one platform. Beyond politics, we provide opportunities for mentorship, leadership development and civic participation, particularly for young people.
We remain committed to supporting all APC candidates while promoting grassroots participation and democratic engagement throughout Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to contest the Ogun East Senatorial seat after completing his tenure. How do you rate his chances?
I believe Governor Dapo Abiodun’s chances are very bright. Having served Ogun State for nearly eight years, his achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development speak for themselves. His leadership style has been inclusive, consultative and focused on delivering results across all parts of the state. His transition to the Senate would enable him to continue representing Ogun’s interests at the national level while consolidating the developmental gains recorded during his administration.
The opposition has criticised Senator Solomon Adeola’s emergence as the APC’s preferred governorship aspirant. What is your response?
Every opposition party is entitled to its opinion. However, our focus remains on presenting the best candidate to the people of Ogun State. Historically, Yewa has never produced a governor since the creation of Ogun State. Many believe 2027 presents an opportunity to promote fairness, equity and inclusiveness by supporting a qualified candidate from that axis. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has demonstrated competence through his legislative experience and commitment to public service. I believe he possesses the capacity, experience and leadership qualities required to govern Ogun State successfully.
Why do you believe Senator Adeola is the right person to succeed Governor Abiodun in 2027?
Senator Adeola combines legislative experience, administrative competence and grassroots appeal. Throughout his years in public office, he has built a reputation for effective representation, infrastructure development and prudent management of public resources. His vision for Ogun State centres on economic growth, industrial expansion, infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare and youth empowerment. Equally important is his ability to unite different political interests within the APC while maintaining strong relationships across the state. I believe he offers the experience, vision and leadership needed to move Ogun State to greater heights.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola Solomon (Yayi) is widely believed to have higher political ambitions. In your view, what is the economic vision driving his ambition, and how would it benefit the people if realised?
As I have stated earlier in this interview, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, our party’s preferred governorship candidate and political leader, is a visionary who possesses the foresight to identify opportunities for sustainable development. With his many years of experience in governance and legislative service, he has acquired the knowledge and capacity needed to drive meaningful progress. His decision to return to Ogun State is, in my view, a blessing for the state. I am confident that, if given the opportunity to lead, his administration would implement people-oriented policies and development programmes that would positively impact every part of Ogun State and improve the lives of its citizens.
What specific economic policies or development initiatives do you believe distinguish his leadership style?
Senator Adeola’s leadership extends beyond economic policies alone. His vision is to build on the economic foundation already laid by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, while introducing fresh ideas and initiatives that will further strengthen Ogun State’s economy. What distinguishes his leadership is his emphasis on human capital development, large-scale empowerment programmes, youth engagement, and people-centred initiatives. These priorities, in my opinion, will not only stimulate economic growth but also improve livelihoods and position Ogun State for greater prosperity.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking a second term. What do you think are the major economic achievements of his administration that justify another term in office?
As a journalist, you will appreciate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has introduced several significant economic reforms since assuming office. Supporters point to the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, implement fuel subsidy reforms, strengthen the value of economic institutions, and improve national security as key achievements. In addition, many state governments now have improved revenue allocations, enabling them to meet financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries, more effectively than in previous years. Taken together, these developments are seen by many as evidence of the administration’s commitment to economic reform and national development, and they form part of the argument in support of a second term.
Looking ahead, what additional economic reforms or policies would you like to see implemented during a possible second term of President Tinubu to improve the lives of Nigerians?
I believe the government has made considerable efforts to implement economic reforms, and there are visible signs of progress, particularly in infrastructure development. Ongoing federal road projects and other strategic investments are expected to improve connectivity, attract investors, stimulate business activities, and create more employment opportunities for young Nigerians. Going forward, I would like to see these reforms expanded through greater investment in job creation, industrialisation, youth empowerment, and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. If these efforts are sustained, they will contribute significantly to improving the standard of living for Nigerians and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
As Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement, how do you see the relationship between Senator Olamilekan Adeola Solomon’s political aspirations and President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, and what impact could this alignment have on national and regional development?
Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola has spent many years serving in public office, particularly in Lagos, before returning to his state, Ogun State to pursue his governorship aspiration. Throughout this period, he has enjoyed a longstanding political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently been regarded as his political mentor. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and years of political collaboration. I believe that this alignment will foster stronger cooperation between the federal government and Ogun State, particularly in attracting federal projects, promoting economic development, and implementing policies that will benefit the people. Such synergy has the potential to accelerate regional development while complementing the broader economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The post Tinubu working tirelessly to address insecurity, strengthen economy – Akintunde appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
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