In this interview, Tope Akintunde, the convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement, a powerful political organization in Ogun State, argues that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform plans are still the best for Nigeria. Additionally, he asserts that, according to a poll conducted in January 2027, Senator Solomon Adeola and Prince Dapo Abiodun are the best contenders for Ogun State Governorship and Ogun East Senatorial, respectively. Excerpts from James Sowole.
What is your current political path as a grassroots Ogun State political mobilizer?
My name is Armstrong “Tope Akintunde,” and I am descended from the late Fowodara of Araromi, Iperu-Remo, Ogun state. My bachelor’s degree was obtained from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), which is now the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
In 2009, I started working for Suru Group Limited, a real estate firm in Lagos, as Executive Director, Special Projects. I was also Aerofield Homes Limited’s Managing Director and CEO at the same time. I’ve had the honor of going to a number of real estate and project management conferences, seminars, training sessions, and courses in Nigeria, Europe, and the US throughout the years. At the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School in the United Kingdom, I most recently finished an executive real estate program.
I hold the titles of Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA), and Certified Customer Relationship Manager (CRM/CEP). Among other honors, I received an honorary doctorate in business administration and corporate governance from the European-American University in partnership with the Republic of Panama and the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in recent years.
Our operations are still guided by my passion, which has always been to give Nigerians adequate, affordable housing.
However, politics offers me another way to give back to my community. I naturally became involved in politics because I was passionate about public engagement and grassroots mobilization.
Nigeria is now dealing with issues related to security and the economy. Can the goals of President Bola Tinubu’s programs be achieved?
Every country had its hard times. Nigeria is no different. Even if there are current security and economic issues, I think they will pass and the nation will eventually recover. In order to combat insecurity, boost the economy, and prepare Nigeria for long-term growth, President Bola Tinubu is working nonstop. Although these reforms might be challenging in the short run, I have no doubt that history will recognize them as essential stages in the nation’s reconstruction.
The current struggles, especially the insecurity, make no Nigerian pleased, but significant reforms will take time.
Rome was not created overnight, as the saying goes. I implore Nigerians to continue being encouraging, unified, and hopeful. I think today’s sacrifices will eventually benefit the country.
As Chairman of Aerofield Homes Limited and Convener of the Yayi Progressives Movement, how do you manage business and politics?
Success, in my opinion, stems from having a clear objective. My passion for public service is politics, but my career is real estate. By God’s blessing, I began both travels at a young age, and today my business and political movement are well-known. The two don’t seem to contradict each other. Due to their distinct functions, they enhance one another. While politics allows me to make social and political contributions, business allows me to make economic contributions. Both have been successfully managed thanks to careful preparation, self-control, and dedication.
What motivated the Yayi Progressives Movement to be founded?
Through many phases of political participation, the movement has developed. It started out as the Dapo Abiodun Continuity Agenda (DACA), which was created to help Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reelection prior to the 2023 general election. The platform evolved into the Omoluabi Movement to incorporate more expansive progressive ideas centered on inclusivity and people-oriented leadership as political circumstances changed and consultations grew. It later evolved into the Yayi Progressives Movement after strategic partnerships with a number of political support groups, including artisan associations around Ogun State.
It was a purposeful change. It demonstrates our commitment to creating a more powerful grassroots political platform that can unite Ogun State’s residents behind a common progressive goal.
What makes the Yayi Progressives Movement different from other Ogun State political organizations?
With more than 50,000 members spread throughout the state’s 20 local government areas, the Yayi Progressives Movement has developed into one of Ogun State’s biggest grassroots political organizations.
Our ability to be inclusive is our strength. We unite young people, women, professionals, students, craftsmen, community leaders, and party supporters on a single platform.
Beyond politics, especially for youth, we offer chances for civic engagement, leadership training, and mentoring. We are still dedicated to encouraging democratic engagement and grassroots participation across Ogun State while endorsing all APC candidates.
In the upcoming general election, Governor Dapo Abiodun is the APC’s candidate for Ogun East Senatorial seat. How likely is he to win?
I think Governor Dapo Abiodun has excellent prospects. Having worked for Ogun State for almost eight years, his accomplishments in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth speak for themselves. His approach to leadership has been inclusive, consultative, and results-driven throughout the entire state. His move to the Senate will allow him to maintain Ogun’s national representation while building on the progress made during his administration.
The emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola as the APC’s favored candidate for governor has drawn criticism from the opposition. What is your answer?
Each opposition party is free to express its views. Nonetheless, we continue to prioritize showcasing the top applicant to Ogun State residents. Yewa has not historically produced a governor since Ogun State was established more than 50 years ago. Many think that by endorsing a suitable candidate from that axis, 2027 offers a chance to advance justice, equity, and inclusivity. With his legislative background and dedication to public service, Senator Olamilekan Adeola has proven to be competent. I think he has the skills, background, and leadership attributes needed to effectively lead Ogun State.
Why is Senator Adeola the best candidate for the job?
Senator Adeola has a combination of grassroots appeal, administrative skill, and legislative expertise. He has established a reputation for efficient representation, infrastructure development, and responsible use of public funds during his years in government. His goals for Ogun State are centered on youth empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure revitalization, industrial growth, and economic development.
His ability to bring disparate political interests inside the APC together while preserving solid ties throughout the state is equally significant. In my opinion, he provides Ogun State with the leadership, vision, and experience it needs to reach new heights.
What message would you like to convey to the Ogun State people?
As members of the All Progressives Congress, we pledge to keep mobilizing support for democratic development and decent administration. The Yayi Progressives Movement will keep growing its grassroots involvement throughout the state, promoting policies that advance sustainable development and encouraging increased political participation. I implore the people of Ogun State to continue being peaceful, unified, and dedicated to the advancement of our beloved state. By working together, we can create a more prosperous Ogun where progress is made in every neighborhood.