The Ondo State chapter of Grassroots Movement for Tinubu(GMT), a group canvassing support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, says it is a national organization that cannot be emerged with other groups in the state.
GMT in a worded statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, Oyewamide Ojo was reacting to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s directive to stop multiple campaign groups canvassing support for Tinubu in Ondo State.
Thefrontrank reports that groups that have been championing the re- election bid of the President in the state include the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu, the Asiwaju Mandate Group and the PBAT Continuity Project.
Aiyedatiwa at the All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting of the state leaders held at the Government House in Akure on Friday, launched a unified campaign platform, “Ondo State for Tinubu 2027”, which he described as the umbrella body for all pro-Tinubu groups in the state.
The governor’s panicked move was seen as desperate bid to gain control of all the structures of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections following disenchantment by party faithful and supporters across the state.
GMT, however, urged its members, supporters and intending members to disregard any interpretation suggesting it must collapse into another support group.
The statement read: “2027: GMT is a national organization, not confined to Ondo State politics – Spokesperson tells Aiyedatiwa
“The attention of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State Chapter, has been drawn to some misinterpretations surrounding the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“At the said meeting, the governor made a passionate appeal for unity among party members and announced the formation of a campaign committee to work toward the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This call for cohesion and respect for party supremacy is both timely and commendable.
“We wholeheartedly appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s gesture, particularly his commitment to ensuring that the party is actively involved in the government’s decision-making processes.
“This position aligns with the suggestion supposedly made by the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, in a widely circulated video, where he emphasized that party supremacy is crucial in harmonizing the activities of both the government and the party.
“However, we have noted with concern the efforts by some individuals to twist the outcomes of the caucus meeting, suggesting that all support groups working for President Tinubu must collapse into a single structure within the state.
“We wish to state categorically that, while we fully support unity within the party, it is important to recognize the role of diverse political support formations during election seasons.
“History offers clear examples: during the last governorship election in Ondo State, several groups including LACO-FS, O Datiwa Group, Lucky Disciples, Partners with Lucky and O Datiwa Ladies worked alongside the party to deliver a resounding 18–0 victory.
“Similarly, under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, vibrant groups such as Aketi Mandate Group, Team Aketi, Ajapada, Ibi Giga Ambassadors and Ibi Giga Initiatives all made notable contributions to the electoral success of the party.
“At the national level, support groups like SWAGGA, Tinubu Door to Door, Asiwaju Support Group, BAT Reforms Group were instrumental in mobilizing support for President Tinubu during the last presidential election.
“These examples underscore the importance and legitimacy of diverse support structures working toward a common goal.
“In light of this, we affirm that the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) is a national organization with structures across the 36 states and the FCT.
“It is not a product of Ondo State politics, nor is it confined to it. GMT is headquartered in Lagos and coordinated by Hon. Bisi Yusuf. Our membership cuts across party affiliations and comprises Nigerians who believe in and support the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We therefore urge our members, supporters and intending members to disregard any misleading interpretations suggesting that GMT must collapse into another support group.
“With less than two years until the next general elections, our focus remains on mobilizing broad-based support for President Tinubu’s policies, ideals and achievements.
“We call on all our local government coordinators to intensify grassroots engagement across party lines, educating citizens about the progress recorded under President Tinubu’s administration and strengthening public confidence in his leadership.
“We also appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue prioritizing party unity and party supremacy, infrastructure development, completion of legacy projects initiated by his late predecessor and adherence to governance guided by integrity and the fear of God.
“These actions will not only strengthen our party’s chances in future elections but will also reflect the quality of APC leadership in Ondo State.
“We sincerely thank the governor for convening the caucus meeting, the first of its kind since he assumed office over a year and a half ago, and we welcome his assurance that the party will henceforth be accorded its rightful place in governance decisions.
“As a show of continued collaboration, GMT plans to pay a courtesy visit to the governor to formally brief him on the group’s structure and activities in the state, especially in preparation for the visit of the national leadership of GMT to Ondo State.
“We remain committed to unity, progress and the advancement of President Tinubu’s vision for a better Nigeria.”
