Despite celebrating the victory of Prof. Dayo Faduyile in the recently concluded Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) has raised concerns over what it described as a significant decline in the electoral strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, warning that the development should serve as a wake-up call ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media, Ojo Oyewamide, congratulated Faduyile on his victory and described the outcome as a demonstration of the confidence reposed in the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the people of Ondo State.
However, GMT noted that beyond the victory lies a more critical issue that party leaders must confront which is the sharp drop in votes recorded by the APC compared to previous elections.
According to the group, APC secured a total of 126,196 votes across the six local government areas of Ondo South Senatorial District during the 2024 governorship election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The breakdown of the votes showed that the party polled 26,811 votes in Okitipupa, 17,127 in Irele, 24,414 in Ilaje, 14,511 in Ese-Odo, 26,683 in Odigbo and 16,600 in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.
In contrast, the party garnered only 68,474 votes in last Saturday’s senatorial by-election.
GMT described the disparity as a matter of strategic concern, especially considering that several prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including its 2024 governorship candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, had since defected to the APC.
The group argued that the influx of such political heavyweights and their supporters should ordinarily have strengthened the party’s electoral base rather than coincide with a reduction in votes.
“The lesson is clear. Victory should not breed complacency. Rather, it should inspire introspection, reconciliation and renewed grassroots mobilisation,” the statement said.
It warned that while the APC retained the senatorial seat, the voting pattern revealed signs that could undermine the party’s prospects if left unaddressed.
GMT therefore called on APC leaders and stakeholders across Ondo State, particularly in the Ondo South Senatorial District, to embrace unity and close ranks ahead of future elections.
The group stressed that genuine reconciliation and inclusive party-building had become imperative, noting that every stakeholder and tendency within the party must feel respected and carried along.
“The significant decline in votes should serve as a warning signal. The road to 2027 begins now. APC must remain united, focused and committed to delivering good governance to the people,” the statement added.
The organisation further urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to accelerate infrastructure development and consolidate on the achievements of previous administrations, particularly that of the late former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
It cited projects such as the Ore Interchange Bridge, the asphalting of Okitipupa township roads and the Onisere Road project as landmark initiatives that had positively impacted residents of the district.
GMT also praised President Bola Tinubu for ongoing federal projects in the state, including the rehabilitation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure Road and the dualisation of the Ilesha-Akure-Benin Expressway, describing them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development and economic growth.
The group maintained that sustaining public support for the APC would require not only visible governance but also strengthened grassroots engagement and internal harmony.
Setting an ambitious target of one million votes for President Tinubu in Ondo State during the 2027 presidential election, GMT said the objective could only be achieved through unity, effective governance, strategic mobilisation and continuous engagement with the electorate.
The organisation also commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting grassroots political groups promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda across the state.
According to GMT, the outcome of the by-election should not merely be viewed as a victory to celebrate but as an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to strengthening the APC ahead of the next electoral cycle.
