The Director-General of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) in Ondo State, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on Monday held a high-stakes meeting with the national leadership of the group in Lagos over rising tensions and alleged intimidation of its members in Ondo State.
The emergency meeting—held at GMT’s national headquarters—was triggered by reports that members of the pro-Tinubu support group were being harassed by government officials and coerced into aligning with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s political structure.
Accompanied by GMT officials including State Secretary Hon. Rasheed Badmus, State Youth Leader Kolade Paff Lawal, and Delta State DG Hon. Okeyomi “Carry Go” Oladipupo, Yusuf-Ogunleye detailed the growing pressure facing Tinubu loyalists within Ondo APC.
Chief among the concerns was a controversial press release issued by Ondo State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, allegedly mandating all Tinubu support groups to merge into Governor Aiyedatiwa’s structure—a move GMT says undermines grassroots mobilisation for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
But according to Yusuf-Ogunleye, Governor Aiyedatiwa has since distanced himself from the statement.
“The governor called me and categorically denied issuing such a directive,” the GMT DG said. “He said the Commissioner acted independently and has promised that his CPS will issue a clarification.”
The governor also reportedly pledged moral and financial support for all groups mobilising for President Tinubu, assuring the GMT of protection and unity within the APC fold.
Despite the governor’s assurances, the GMT DG gave chilling accounts of ongoing harassment at the local level.
“In my own council area, the chairman is threatening our members and has gone as far as forging signatures to remove our acting party chairman for identifying with GMT,” he alleged.
Other reports include intimidation of female members, efforts to sideline GMT loyalists within government, and warnings to lawmakers not to affiliate with the movement.
Yusuf-Ogunleye, however, praised Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for remaining a steadfast supporter, saying the minister has financially supported GMT’s activities, including establishing offices in all 18 LGAs.
The national leadership, led by Hon. Bisi Yusuf, expressed solidarity with the Ondo GMT and criticised any attempt to silence genuine Tinubu supporters.
“We saw the full-page adverts in national dailies and the TV campaigns. Lagos is proud of you. Even the President has taken note of Ondo GMT’s commitment,” said Yusuf.
In a show of confidence, Yusuf-Ogunleye was officially handed his appointment letter as state DG and tasked with coordinating appointments across the state. A letter of commendation was also ordered for Minister Tunji-Ojo.
To cap the meeting, national leaders resolved to visit Governor Aiyedatiwa in Akure to reinforce unity and ensure all efforts remain focused on securing President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
