By Dele Alejolowo
The campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is gathering unstoppable momentum in Ondo State, largely driven by the tireless efforts of numerous support groups—all of which bear the unmistakable imprint of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO).
Despite unwarranted attacks from certain government agents, BTO’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have firmly established him as the central force behind grassroots mobilization, ensuring that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda resonates deeply across communities.
At the heart of this movement are the Grassroot Movement for Tinubu (GMT), the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG)—a group particularly dear to BTO—and the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT). Together, they amplify his influence and mobilize massive support for Tinubu’s re-election across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
Virtually every major support group in Ondo reflects BTO’s strategic oversight. Among them, GMT stands out as a powerhouse of grassroots engagement, spearheading aggressive voter outreach through rallies, town hall meetings, and door-to-door campaigns that highlight Tinubu’s achievements and future vision for Nigeria.
Their collective ambition is bold: to surpass the 67% vote share Tinubu secured in Ondo during the 2023 presidential election and deliver no less than 80% in 2027.
GMT’s inclusivity is further evident in its appointment of Comrade Alfred Akinuli, a former Action Alliance governorship candidate, as Deputy Director-General—a move underscoring BTO’s vision of uniting diverse political backgrounds under Tinubu’s banner.
One of GMT’s flagship initiatives, the Jingi Asiwaju Free Medical Outreach, strongly supported by BTO, has provided vital healthcare services—consultations, diagnoses, and treatments—to thousands of residents. This not only addresses pressing community needs but also strengthens loyalty to Tinubu’s campaign at the grassroots. GMT’s activities are also closely aligned with the APC leadership, ensuring strong synergy with party structures.
Even in the face of resistance from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—who attempted to merge all pro-Tinubu groups into a single platform, Ondo for Tinubu 2027—GMT, with BTO’s backing, maintained its independence while still aligning with APC’s overarching goals. This resilience underscores its strategic focus and determination.
BTO’s influence extends well beyond GMT. The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) remains especially close to his heart. Its recent inauguration of local executives across Ondo’s local government areas highlights his deep commitment to building robust grassroots networks.
Speakers at AMG’s events have consistently lauded BTO’s organizational prowess, crediting him with strengthening the group’s footprint across the state. AMG’s initiatives, closely aligned with his vision, focus on targeted voter education and community engagement, making it an indispensable pillar of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Similarly, the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT) has flourished under BTO’s guidance. At its launch in Akure, Director-General Pastor Olumide Obadele praised BTO’s “unquantifiable” support and pledged to leverage technology and modern media to amplify Tinubu’s message and expand the campaign’s reach.
Together, GMT, AMG, and PNT form a formidable and cohesive network under BTO’s leadership, spreading Tinubu’s message seamlessly across both urban and rural communities.
Attempts by government agents to undermine BTO’s influence, including the proposed merger of independent support groups, have largely been dismissed as baseless and counterproductive. Instead of weakening his influence, these actions have only strengthened his resolve.
Through resilience and strategic clarity, BTO has ensured that GMT, AMG, and PNT remain focused on their mission. His leadership has been instrumental in resource mobilization, grassroots empowerment, and political strategy, enabling these groups to thrive even in the face of opposition.
From empowering local leaders to backing key initiatives—such as GMT’s voter sensitization, AMG’s grassroots organizing, and the Jingi Asiwaju medical outreach—BTO has positioned Ondo as an impregnable stronghold for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
With nearly every support group operating under his guiding hand, BTO’s relentless drive is laying the groundwork for a landslide victory for President Tinubu in Ondo in 2027, cementing his reputation as a master strategist and champion of grassroots empowerment.
As GMT, AMG, and PNT continue to mobilize communities behind Tinubu’s transformative vision, Ondo State stands poised not only to replicate but to exceed its 2023 performance—delivering a resounding mandate for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
