Convener of an influential political group in Ogun State, Yayi Progressives Movement, ‘Tope Akintunde in this interview contends that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform plans remain ideal for Nigeria. He also contends that Senator Solomon Adeola and Prince Dapo Abiodun are most ideal contenders for Ogun State Governorship and Ogun East Senatorial posts respectively during January, 2027 vote. James Sowole offers snippets.
As a grassroot political mobiliser in Ogun State, what is your political career like so far?
I am Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, from the family of the late Fowodara of Araromi, Iperu-Remo in Ogun state. I attended the then University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), now the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where I received my bachelor’s degree.
I began my professional career in 2009 with Suru Group Limited, a Lagos-based real estate company, where I served as Executive Director, Special Projects. At the same time, I also served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aerofield Homes Limited. Over the years, I have had the luxury of attending various real estate and project management courses, seminars, training programmes, and conferences in Nigeria, Europe, and the United States. Most recently, I completed an executive Real Estate programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
I am a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA), an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and a Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CRM/CEP). In recent years, I was also awarded an honourary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration and Corporate Governance by the European-American University, in conjunction with the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara and the Republic of Panama, among other recognitions.
My passion has always been to offer inexpensive and adequate housing for Nigerians, and that vision continues to drive our activities.
Politics, on the other hand, gives another path through which I can serve my community. My love for grassroots mobilisation and public engagement inevitably drew me into active political activity.
Nigeria is currently confronting economic and security issues. Can President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives yield the desired results?
Every nation passes through terrible eras. Nigeria is not an exception. While the present economic and security issues are serious, I believe they are temporary and that the country is on the way to recovery. President Bola Tinubu is working diligently to reduce insecurity, boost the economy and reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth. These reforms may be challenging in the short term, but I am convinced history will accept them as important steps towards rebuilding the country.
No Nigerian is delighted about the present problems, notably insecurity, but significant reforms require patience.
As the cliché goes, Rome was not built in a day. My message to Nigerians is to remain supportive, unified and hopeful. I believe the sacrifices being made today will ultimately bring beneficial outcomes for the nation.
As Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement and Chairman of Aerofield Homes Limited, how are you able to mix business with politics?
I believe success comes from having clarity of purpose. Real estate is my job, while politics is my passion for public service. I started both journeys early in life, and today, by God’s help, both my firm and political movement have become household names. I don’t view the two as contradicting. They compliment each other since each provides various objectives. Business enables me to participate economically, while politics allows me to engage socially and politically. Proper planning, dedication and commitment have made it feasible to manage both successfully.
What prompted the creation of the Yayi Progressives Movement?
The movement has progressed through numerous periods of political activity. Ahead of the 2023 general election, it began as the Dapo Abiodun Continuity Agenda (DACA), founded to assist Governor Dapo Abiodun’s re-election. As political realities evolved and consultations increased, the platform transformed into the Omoluabi Movement to incorporate larger progressive values based on inclusiveness and people-oriented leadership. Following strategic agreements with many political support groups, including artisan associations across Ogun State, it eventually became the Yayi Progressives Movement.
This transition was planned. It demonstrates our resolve to develop a stronger grassroots political platform capable of mobilising residents throughout all sections of Ogun State under a shared progressive vision.
What distinguishes the Yayi Progressives Movement from other political groupings in Ogun State?
The Yayi Progressives Movement has evolved into one of the greatest grassroots political organisations in Ogun State, with membership topping 50,000 across the state’s 20 local government areas.
Our strength resides in inclusiveness. We bring together youths, women, artisans, students, professionals, community leaders and party followers under one platform.
Beyond politics, we give chances for mentorship, leadership development and civic participation, particularly for young people. We remain dedicated to supporting all APC candidates while boosting grassroots participation and democratic engagement throughout Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is the APC candidate for Ogun East Senatorial seat in the next general election, what are his chances?
I feel Governor Dapo Abiodun’s chances are quite bright. Having served Ogun State for nearly eight years, his achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic growth speak for themselves. His leadership approach has been inclusive, consultative and focused on generating outcomes throughout all sections of the state. His transfer to the Senate will enable him to continue championing Ogun’s interests at the national level while consolidating the developmental successes recorded during his administration.
The opposition has challenged Senator Solomon Adeola’s emergence as the APC’s favored governorship candidate. What is your response?
Every opposition party is entitled to its opinion. However, our focus remains on delivering the best candidate to the people of Ogun State. Historically, Yewa has never produced a governor since the foundation of Ogun State almost 50 years ago. Many believe 2027 gives an opportunity to promote fairness, equity and inclusiveness by supporting a suitable candidate from that axis. Senator Olamilekan Adeola has proved competence via his legislative experience and commitment to public service. I believe he possesses the capacity, expertise and leadership skills required to manage Ogun State successfully.
What stands Senator Adeola out for the position?
Senator Adeola combines legislative experience, administrative competence and grassroots appeal. Throughout his years in public office, he has earned a reputation for competent representation, infrastructure development and wise administration of public resources. His strategy for Ogun State concentrates on economic growth, industrial expansion, infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Equally crucial is his ability to combine disparate political interests inside the APC while keeping solid contacts across the state. I believe he offers the skills, vision and leadership needed to bring Ogun State to greater heights.
What is your message for the people of Ogun State?
Our commitment as members of the All Progressives Congress is to continue mobilising support for good government and democratic progress. The Yayi Progressives Movement will continue increasing its grassroots engagement across the state, advocating greater political participation and supporting policies that promote sustainable development. I urge the people of Ogun State to remain peaceful, unified and devoted to the prosperity of our beautiful state. Together, we can construct a more prosperous Ogun where development reaches every community.
