Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly on Friday held a closed-door strategic meeting with leaders of the Grassroots Mobilization Team (GMT) at the group’s state office.
The meeting, according to participants, was aimed at strengthening the group, fostering unity, and reaffirming loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prominent GMT leaders in attendance included the Director-General, Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye; Secretary, Mr. Rasheed Badmus; Director of Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Olamide Falana; GMT Youth Leader, Paff Kolade Lawal; Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Ademosu, member of the Advisory Committee and Coordinator of Women in the Central District; Mrs. Funke Adesida, Iyaloja GMT; Chief (Mrs.) Akeju, Director of Women Affairs (North); Akogun Akin Sowore, Legal Adviser; and Akure South Coordinator, Barr. Gbenga Olaniyi.
Also present were Assembly members: Hon. Ifabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo 1), Hon. Afe Felix (Akoko North-West 2), Hon. Fatai Atere (Akoko North-West 1)
Others are, Hon. Japhet Oluwatoyin (Akoko North-East) and Hon. Atinuke Witherspoon (Owo 2)
Hon. Akinsuroju Nelson (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo)
Lawmakers who sent apologies for being on official assignments included Hon. Tosin Ajirotutu (Idanre), Hon. Fasonu Babatunde (Odigbo 2), and Rt. Hon. Akinruntan Abayomi.
Speaking to journalists after the session, the lawmakers described the meeting as “purely a family affair.”
“We are here today as members of the GMT family. Our discussion centered on loyalty to the group and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We pledged our full support for his re-election because he has done well for the nation and stood by our state during difficult times. As leaders of our party, we must show gratitude by supporting him,” one of the lawmakers said.
The legislators also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support for the GMT, promising to mobilize their constituencies in preparation for the next election cycle.
Addressing the media, GMT Director-General Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye emphasized that the meeting was both strategic and symbolic.
“This is a family meeting. I salute the courage of these lawmakers for openly identifying with us. Politics is about courage, investment, and decisiveness. They have shown all of these,” Ogunleye said.
He dismissed threats that lawmakers aligning with GMT could lose their return tickets, assuring them of safety and support.
“Only God determines tomorrow. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured that all support groups working for President Tinubu will be carried along, and we expect the same cooperation from the Speaker at the legislative chamber,” he added.
The DG further praised GMT leaders and members for their unwavering support, acknowledging the efforts of the party’s state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and other key stakeholders, including Engr. Ife Oyedele.
“Our mission is not just about politics but about complementing government efforts through programs that improve the lives of our people,” Ogunleye stressed
He reaffirmed gratitude to Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and described him as the sole financier of the group.
Other GMT leaders at the meeting also offered strategic advice to lawmakers on mobilization and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.
