ABEOKUTA—The Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) has formally announced preparations for its upcoming Ogun-East Mega Rally, alongside the inauguration of 1,180 YPM Artisan Ambassadors and Grassroots Mobilisers, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The double-header event, which will hold at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode at 11:00 a.m., was officially announced during a joint press conference held in Abeokuta by key leadership figures of the movement and affiliated artisan bodies.
Speaking at the conference, the President of the Artisan Association of Nigeria (Ogun State Chapter), Comrade Anthony Ayodele, revealed that the rally is designed to demonstrate the unity, numerical strength, and organizational depth of the movement across the Ogun-East Senatorial District.
Ayodele highlighted that the inauguration of the 1,180 ambassadors represents a strategic push to consolidate grassroots structures across all communities, wards, and local government areas, bridging the gap between political leadership and the general public ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Ayodele, the newly appointed ambassadors and mobilisers will be tasked with engaging residents directly, listening to community concerns, communicating the movement’s objectives, and promoting peaceful democratic participation across the state.
He emphasized the pivotal role of artisans in economic development, job creation, and skill acquisition, noting that the initiative aims to amplify the voices of skilled workers and ensure their active representation in governance and civic activities.
Also addressing journalists, the Co-Convener and Campaign Director-General of YPM, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Odeneye, stated that the mega rally serves as the official launchpad for a statewide political mobilization campaign across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts.
Odeneye revealed that out of YPM’s documented membership register exceeding 90,600 registered members, about 30,000 active members and supporters are expected to converge on Ijebu-Ode for the landmark political gathering.
The Campaign Director-General explained that the movement’s extensive grassroots infrastructure currently boasts 26 constituency coordinators, thousands of polling-unit canvassers, and organized wings spanning women, youth, students, and market-to-market mobilization structures.
The rally will officially kick off at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday with a massive solidarity trek from Mobalufon to the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, leading directly into the main inauguration and political assembly.
Distinguished dignitaries expected at the grand event include the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON; Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi); the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; alongside top party leaders and government appointees.
The speakers collectively reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates, pledging to mobilize massive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Adeola, and all APC flagbearers across the state.
To ensure a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, the organizers confirmed that the event will feature star-studded performances by legendary music icons King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) and Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, with popular comedian Gbenga Adeyinka serving as the host.
Addressing safety concerns, Rt. Hon. Odeneye assured members of the public that robust security arrangements have been finalized in coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Amotekun Corps, TRACE, and NSCDC to guarantee orderly conduct and smooth traffic management.
Concluding the briefing, both leaders called on artisans, youth groups, market associations, and party faithful to turn out in large numbers, conduct themselves responsibly, and join hands in building a stronger, better-represented grassroots network for the future of Ogun State.
