…Movement claims over 90,600 members, thousands of grassroots canvassers
The Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM) has announced plans to inaugurate 1,180 artisans’ ambassadors and grassroots mobilisers at a mega rally in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as part of efforts to strengthen its political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President of the Artisan Association of Nigeria, Ogun State, Comrade Anthony Ayodele, disclosed this at a press conference announcing the rally, scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
Ayodele said the initiative was designed to strengthen the movement’s grassroots presence and improve the representation of artisans across communities, wards and local government areas.
“Our ambassadors and mobilisers will serve as vital links between the movement and the people. Their responsibilities will include engaging residents, communicating the movement’s programmes and objectives, listening to community concerns and encouraging peaceful, responsible and constructive participation in the democratic process,” he said.
He noted that artisans played important roles in employment generation, skills acquisition and economic development, adding that the initiative would provide an opportunity to amplify their voices and encourage greater participation in public affairs.
“As artisans, we recognise the importance of our contribution to economic development, employment generation, skills acquisition, and community advancement,” Ayodele said.
The artisan leader explained that the mega rally would bring together political leaders, artisans, youths, women, students and other supporters from Ogun East Senatorial District and beyond to demonstrate the movement’s organisational strength and unity.
He reaffirmed the movement’s support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, alongside other party candidates across Ogun State.
According to him, grassroots mobilisation remained central to political participation and effective representation.
“We believe that effective political participation begins at the grassroots, where the concerns, aspirations and expectations of ordinary citizens must be heard and properly represented,” he stated.
Giving an overview of the movement’s organisational structure, Ayodele said YPM had 26 constituency coordinators, thousands of polling-unit canvassers and a membership register reportedly exceeding 90,600.
He listed the movement’s structures to include artisans’, students’ and women’s wings, market-to-market mobilisation teams and other community-based formations, which he said were intended to strengthen engagement with residents.
“The forthcoming mega rally and inauguration will provide another opportunity to strengthen cooperation among these groups, encourage greater coordination and reinforce our shared commitment to the movement’s objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The programme will feature a trek from Mobalufon to the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, beginning at 7 a.m., ahead of the main event scheduled for 11 a.m.
Musical performances by Fuji musicians King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma are expected, while comedian Gbenga Adeyinka and other masters of ceremonies will host the gathering.
Ayodele urged participants to maintain peace, respect public facilities, observe traffic and safety regulations, and cooperate with security personnel to ensure an orderly event.
He also invited artisans, community leaders, market associations, youth organisations, women’s groups, students and other stakeholders to participate in the rally.
“Our objective is to build a stronger, more organised and better-represented artisan community while expanding constructive engagement with the wider society,” he said.
The mega rally and inauguration are expected to form part of YPM’s broader grassroots mobilisation efforts as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
