The Ondo State chapter of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) has thrown its weight behind the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the outcome of the party’s National Assembly nomination process in the state, urging aggrieved members to accept the verdict in the interest of party unity.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Director-General, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the group congratulated all candidates who emerged from the nomination process and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other party leaders for upholding the recommendations of the party’s Appeal Committee.
According to GMT, the decision was in line with the APC Constitution and demonstrated the party’s commitment to justice, internal democracy and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The group noted that the National Working Committee had consistently displayed fairness and impartiality in resolving internal disagreements in Ondo State, citing the resolution of disputes that followed the 2016 governorship primary involving the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other aspirants, as well as the reconciliation efforts after the 2024 governorship primary involving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
It said the interventions helped strengthen party cohesion and ensured the continued stability of the APC in the state.
GMT appealed to all aspirants, their supporters and party faithful to respect the outcome of the nomination process and place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions.
The group also reminded aggrieved stakeholders that previous disputes arising from party congresses and primaries were resolved through the intervention of the National Working Committee, with litigants eventually withdrawing court cases in the interest of party unity.
However, GMT criticised the conduct of some Ondo State Government appointees over the controversy, specifically mentioning the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Seun Osamaye.
The group described it as disappointing that the commissioner allegedly challenged the authority of the National Working Committee publicly, despite her previous experience at the APC National Secretariat and as a legislative aide in the National Assembly.
While acknowledging the right of party members to express their opinions, GMT maintained that political appointees should avoid actions capable of undermining the supremacy of the party or weakening confidence in its internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The group consequently called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to caution his appointees and ensure that government officials respect the decisions of the APC leadership in the interest of peace, discipline, unity and stability within the party.
