***Governor Aiyedatiwa Denies Merger Directive, Assures Support Groups of Protection
The Director-General of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) in Ondo State, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has met with the national leadership of the group at its Lagos headquarters to address growing concerns over alleged intimidation and political coercion of GMT members in the state.
Accompanied by the Ondo State GMT Secretary, Hon. Rasheed Badmus; State Youth Leader, Kolade Paff Lawal; the Delta State GMT DG; and the group’s National Director for Inter-State Affairs, Hon. Okeyomi Oladipupo (popularly known as “Carry Go”), Yusuf-Ogunleye was received by the National Leader of GMT, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, and other top executives.
The meeting focused on reports of harassment allegedly being orchestrated by agents of the Ondo State Government against GMT members, including elected and appointed officials.
At the centre of the controversy was a statement credited to the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, suggesting that all pro-Tinubu support groups must merge into Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s political structure.
The GMT national leadership expressed dismay at what it described as “an attempt to suppress grassroots mobilisation for the President,” asserting that such directives contradict the democratic ethos of the APC.
In his address, Hon. Yusuf-Ogunleye assured the national body that the matter was being addressed.
He revealed that he had spoken directly with Governor Aiyedatiwa, who categorically denied issuing any directive requiring GMT or other groups to merge with his political structure.
“The governor told me personally that he gave no such instruction and that the Commissioner acted on his own. He assured me that his Chief Press Secretary, who was present at the APC caucus meeting, would issue a clarification,” Yusuf-Ogunleye stated.
According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa also pledged financial and moral support to all pro-Tinubu groups, affirming his commitment to a united APC in the state. “He said he’s willing to receive the GMT national leadership in Akure and support all mobilisation efforts for the President’s re-election,” Yusuf-Ogunleye added.
The Ondo GMT DG also detailed alleged acts of intimidation against group members, including threats to women and the use of forged documents to undermine GMT’s influence in local government areas.
“In my local government, the council chairman threatened our members and tried to remove our acting party chairman using forged signatures because of his affiliation with GMT. The case is now with security agencies,” he said.
He further claimed that some lawmakers and government appointees were being discouraged from identifying with GMT for fear of political repercussions.
Despite these challenges, Yusuf-Ogunleye expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved, citing the governor’s assurances of inclusivity and unity.
He also used the platform to thank the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his unwavering support of GMT’s grassroots efforts, including funding for local government offices across the state.
Gratitude was equally extended to other key APC stakeholders such as the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Engr. Ife Oyedele; Dr. Akin Awodeyi Apata; Hon. Okeyomi Oladipupo; OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye; National Assembly members, and other party chieftains.
Corroborating Yusuf-Ogunleye’s account, Hon. Okeyomi confirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had reached out to him as well, reaffirming his support for GMT and commitment to the President’s re-election.
In recognition of Ondo GMT’s vibrant mobilisation activities, the national leadership announced that the Presidency had taken note of the chapter’s efforts.
“We saw your adverts on Channels TV and in national dailies. Lagos is proud of you. Ondo GMT is doing well,” said Hon. Bisi Yusuf.
As a mark of honour, Yusuf-Ogunleye was formally presented with his letter of appointment and tasked with overseeing the nomination of GMT officers and coordinators across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.
The national body also resolved to issue a letter of commendation to Hon. Tunji-Ojo for his outstanding contributions.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the leadership resolving to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa to commend his reassurances and to further strengthen collaboration for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
