The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, has declared its support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s recent call for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), but firmly rejected suggestions that it must collapse into any single political support structure within the state.
Reacting to interpretations following the APC State Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Akure, GMT described the governor’s appeal for cohesion and the formation of a campaign committee for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as timely and commendable.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media, Oyewamide Ojo, the group applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to foster party supremacy and inclusivity in governance, noting that such efforts align with similar calls made by political leaders, including former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan.
However, the group expressed concern over what it described as a “misinterpretation” of the meeting’s outcomes, particularly the narrative that all Tinubu-aligned support groups must merge into one structure within Ondo State.
“We support unity in the party, but it is important to emphasize that GMT is a national organization, not a state-level creation,” the statement read. “We are headquartered in Lagos and coordinated nationally by Hon. Bisi Yusuf, with structures in all 36 states and the FCT. Our identity goes beyond state politics and is rooted in a broader national mission to support President Tinubu’s vision.”
The group cited past elections to demonstrate the effectiveness of multiple support structures, referencing groups like Team Aketi, Ibi Giga Ambassadors, and the Lucky Disciples during previous governorship elections, as well as national groups such as SWAGGA and BAT Reforms that backed President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
According to GMT, these formations contributed significantly to electoral victories, and their diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a threat to party unity.
The group urged its local government coordinators across Ondo State to intensify grassroots engagement and continue educating the public on President Tinubu’s achievements, stressing the importance of strengthening public confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
While reaffirming its commitment to the APC and the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa, GMT encouraged the governor to stay focused on unifying the party, completing inherited projects, and delivering good governance guided by integrity and accountability.
The group also announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to the governor to formally present its structure and brief him on its ongoing activities, especially ahead of the planned visit of the GMT national leadership to Ondo State.
“We remain committed to unity, progress and the advancement of President Tinubu’s vision for a better Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
