YAYI Progressives Movement (YPM) Drives A New Wave Grassroots Leadership In Ogun 

The popular saying that “you don’t disband a winning team” remains timeless. Building a successful team, particularly one that consistently delivers results, is no easy task. Why should good music stop playing when it continues to inspire? Why exchange fine fabric for rags? 

Judging by the performance of Prince Dapo Abiodun as Governor of Ogun State in recent years, many observers believe his administration has remained faithful to its campaign promises while raising the standard of governance in the state. From agriculture and housing development to extensive road construction aimed at boosting economic growth, as well as landmark projects such as the Gateway International Airport in Ilisan-Remo, the administration has projected a governance agenda anchored on infrastructure, progress, and service delivery.

From DACA To Omoluabi, Now YAYI Progressives Movement (YPM): A Vanguard of Progressive, political grassroots, Artisans convergence for emancipation .

The emergence of the YAYI Progressives Movement (YPM) represents the latest phase in a political evolution that began with DACA, later transformed into the Omoluabi Movement, and has now rebranded into a broader grassroots platform within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. Political analysts note that the consistent support structure built through these successive platforms has played a significant role in sustaining progressive political engagement and mobilising grassroots participation across the state.

YAYI Progressives Movement, a united grassroots initiative comprising artisans and politically conscious stakeholders committed to the progress and development of Ogun State.

Widely regarded as a strategic youth-driven platform, the YAYI Progressives Movement promotes participatory democracy while advancing progressive ideals rooted in inclusivity and civic responsibility. Beyond being a political association, YPM presents itself as an ideological movement focused on nurturing a new generation of democratic leaders capable of steering Ogun State and Nigeria toward a more accountable and prosperous future.

“We will achieve this by providing infrastructure, information, and tools that energise an informed citizenry, our goal is to promote transparency, good governance, and inclusivity across all 20 local government areas and beyond. We encourage youth participation regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or background.” - said Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Convener of the movement. 

Grassroots Politics: The Pulse Of Democracy

At its core, the movement emphasises grassroots engagement built on freedom, creativity, and collective purpose. Grassroots politics, advocates say, extends beyond the pursuit of political office; it requires genuine interaction with citizens and sustained community involvement. It involves participating in local council meetings, engaging political leaders constructively, mobilising support for shared causes, and fostering civic participation. Successful grassroots movements thrive not on titles but on visibility, sincerity, and strong community connections.

 Ideological Conviction And Political Development

According to the YAYI Progressives Movement, political development must be grounded in ideological conviction and reform-oriented leadership. This approach encompasses governance across economic growth, industrial development, education, and civic participation. Meaningful development, the movement argues, depends on both personal and constitutional standards. The personal dimension reflects the values and ethical principles upheld by leaders, while the constitutional dimension relates to the legal frameworks guiding governance and public service. Alignment between both, proponents say, is essential for credible leadership.

The Reformist at the Helm

For Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, politics represents a vehicle for renewal and transformation. His leadership vision emphasises the effective utilisation of human capital and natural resources as drivers of sustainable development. Through the YAYI Progressives Movement, Akintunde aims to build a political structure that empowers citizens, promotes integrity, and redefines leadership culture. His philosophy centres on creating reforms that endure as a lasting legacy beyond political tenure.

A Movement Rooted In Purpose

The YAYI Progressives Movement presents itself as more than a political alignment; it describes its mission as a call for responsible leadership and active civic participation. Advocates portray it as a model of purpose-driven, inclusive, and transformative politics. As Ogun State continues its developmental trajectory, supporters argue that platforms such as YPM will remain influential in shaping political engagement around service, shared values, and collective progress.

 A Rising Grassroots Force For Transformational Leadership In Ogun

Observers note that the movement has evolved into one of the most visible grassroots-driven political platforms in Ogun State. Anchored on leadership development, community engagement, and progressive governance, it continues to expand its support base while promoting people-oriented leadership. With operational structures across the state’s 20 local government areas, YPM has developed an organised mobilisation framework designed to strengthen citizen participation and political coordination.

Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, the transition from the Omoluabi Movement to the YAYI Progressives Movement reflects what supporters describe as resilience, strategic coordination, and a people-centred vision aimed at democratic growth and sustainable development. The movement maintains that its objectives extend beyond electoral politics, focusing on grooming a new generation of leaders committed to transparency, accountability, and long-term prosperity for Ogun State and Nigeria.

Expansion And Mobilisation Efforts

As part of its expansion strategy, the movement recently unveiled branded buses alongside empowerment initiatives targeted at its members. In a statement recently signed by the Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, the group announced the deployment of 27 buses to enhance statewide mobilisation and grassroots engagement. 

The initiative, according to the Convener, forms part of broader plans to empower more than 40,000 registered members. The mobilisation drive, he explained, aims to expand outreach and encourage active political participation across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. The statement further noted that the name YAYI Progressives Movement reflects the organisation’s guiding philosophy centred on responsibility, integrity, and progressive leadership, adding that its activities are geared toward mobilising support for APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Source: The Issues Magazine