The support group of the Ogun West Senator and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the 2027 governorship election, Solomon Adeola, known as the Yayi Connect Team, has urged Nigerians to shun electoral violence and obey electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as Ogun State governor.
The group’s Convener and Director-General, Abdulateef Sulaimon, made the call on Tuesday at its maiden State Strategic Congress, tagged ‘Gbé Yayi Débè’, held at the Nigeria Union of Teachers Hall in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Sulaimon disclosed this in a statement he signed on Thursday.
He urged members and Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to promote peace and allow voters to make their choices freely.
“While we support our candidates with full confidence, we should stay away from violence and abide by the rules of the election. We cannot afford to allow miscreants to take over our electioneering process,” he said.
The congress brought together members and stakeholders from Ogun State’s three senatorial districts to mobilise support for Tinubu, Adeola and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 elections.
Sulaimon commended the executive and planning committees for organising the event and paid tribute to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, for supporting the formation and activities of the group.
He described Yayi Connect Team as an independent, self-funded organisation with members drawn from different professional and political backgrounds.
He stated, “Though YCT is a personal vision, that vision has continually enjoyed the support and encouragement of my dear brother and mentor, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako.
“The vision is equally supported and shared by people of like mind from across the political and regional divides of Ogun State. YCT is an independent, self-funding, non-political organisation composed of businessmen and women, technocrats, and professionals who are deeply committed to the aims and objectives of the organisation. These are men and women of proven integrity, character, and competence in their various fields.”
He said the organisation had expanded its grassroots structure across the state since its establishment.
He added, “YCT has, within the short period of its existence, extended its tentacles and network across the state,” he said.
“Our grassroots penetration has been remarkably effective and result-oriented. I am proud to announce that YCT has established a strong presence, with elected coordinators and executive committees currently holding regular meetings in all 236 wards, 20 local government areas, and 3 senatorial districts of Ogun State.”
Sulaimon said the group was committed to mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election and Adeola’s governorship ambition, alongside other APC candidates.
He said, “While YCT is focused on mobilising support for the re-election of President Tinubu, the group has metamorphosed into a mass movement that is primarily committed to mobilising grassroots support for the election of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the next governor of Ogun State and all APC candidates in the state.”
He attributed Adeola’s popularity in Ogun to his alleged contributions to infrastructure development over the past three years.
“According to him, Senator Solomon Adeola has impacted the state greatly in the last three years by facilitating the construction of infrastructure across the state. ‘He has endeared himself to the people of the state,’ Sulaimon noted.”
Speaking as the special guest of honour, Salako defended the economic reforms introduced by Tinubu, describing the hardships experienced by Nigerians as temporary measures necessary to achieve long-term economic growth.
He said the President had taken difficult but necessary decisions in the country’s interest and remained committed to improving citizens’ livelihoods.
“What we are currently experiencing in the country are temporary hardships we must bear to build a great nation with amazing economic prosperity for our children and generations to come. So, don’t allow the opposition parties and their candidates to deceive you with their lies and propaganda; they do not mean well for this great country,” Salako said.
He urged Yayi Connect members to mobilise votes for Tinubu, Adeola and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
Salako also said Adeola was aware of the group’s activities and that it had been recognised among independent campaign groups in Ogun State.
He said, “Let me assure you that Senator Adeola is well aware of the existence and activities of this group, the YCT. He has never downplayed its importance and relevance among all existing support groups. But for other crucial state engagements, Senator Adeola would have been physically present here today.
“I can assure you that the Senator will meet with you soon. He will definitely convey the time and place to meet with you through your leaders.”
He urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state under the group’s ‘Operation PU 10-10’ campaign to secure votes for APC candidates.
Other dignitaries at the congress included Raheem Ajayi, a senior legislative assistant to the Deputy Senate President and former aide to two former Ogun governors; Salako’s Special Assistant, Wale Junaid; YCT state executive members; ward, local government and zonal coordinators; and APC stakeholders.
Recall that in September, Yayi officially commissioned the Yayi Connect Team in Ado-Odo.
The event was attended by scores of Ogun APC leaders, stakeholders, party faithful, and supporters of Senator Adeola from across the three senatorial districts—West, Central, and East.https://punchng.com/yayi-unveils-grassroots-support-group-urges-mobilisation-for-gov-race/
