ONDO GMT DG MEETS NATIONAL LEADERS IN LAGOS AMID ALLEGATIONS OF INTIMIDATION, GETS PRESIDENTIAL COMMENDATION
…Governor Aiyedatiwa Denies Merger Directive as Support Groups Assured of Protection
The Director-General of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) in Ondo State, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on Monday met with the national leadership of the group at its headquarters in Lagos over recent concerns of intimidation and forced political alignment allegedly targeting members of the support group in Ondo State.
Yusuf-Ogunleye was accompanied by the State Secretary of GMT, Hon. Rasheed Badmus; State Youth Leader Kolade Paff Lawal; GMT Director-General in Delta State; and the group’s National Director for Inter-State Affairs, Hon. Okeyomi Oladipupo (popularly known as “Carry Go”).
They were received by the National Leader of GMT, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, and other executives.
The meeting was convened to discuss national issues concerning the group and reports of harassment allegedly being perpetrated by agents of the Ondo State Government against GMT members, including elected and appointed officials.
Of particular concern was a press statement issued by the Ondo Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, which suggested that all support groups backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must merge into Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s political structure.
Reacting to these developments, the national leadership expressed dismay over what it described as an “attempt to suppress grassroots mobilisation for the President,” stressing that such directives were contrary to the democratic spirit of the APC.
In his briefing, Yusuf-Ogunleye allayed their fears and said the situation had been addressed.
Yusuf-Ogunleye disclosed that he had phone conversations with Governor Aiyedatiwa, who denied authorising any directive requiring GMT or other support groups to merge with his structure.
“The governor told me personally that he gave no such instruction and that the Commissioner for Information acted on his own. He promised that his Chief Press Secretary, who was present at the caucus meeting, would issue a clarification,” Yusuf-Ogunleye stated.
He further quoted the governor as promising financial and moral support to all groups working towards President Tinubu’s re-election, adding: “Governor Aiyedatiwa said he would provide leadership and support for all mobilisation efforts. He is even ready to receive the national leadership of GMT in Akure.”
The Ondo GMT DG gave detailed reports of alleged harassment of members, including women being intimidated and attempts by local government officials to undermine GMT’s influence.
“In my local government, the council chairman threatened our members and used forged signatures to attempt the removal of our acting party chairman because he identifies with GMT. The matter is already before security agencies to investigate,” he revealed.
He also alleged that some state lawmakers were being discouraged from identifying with GMT for fear of losing re-election tickets, while government appointees were under pressure not to associate with the movement.
Despite these challenges, Yusuf-Ogunleye said the governor had promised to address all issues and ensure a united APC family in the state.
He used the occasion to thank the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support, noting that the minister had financially backed GMT’s grassroots mobilisation efforts, including the establishment of local government offices across Ondo State.
He also acknowledged the support of key APC figures like Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the State Chairman of the APC; Engr. Ife Oyedele; Dr. Akin Awodeyi Apata; and Hon. Okeyomi Oladipupo.
The DG also appreciated the support of the OSOPADEC chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye; National Assembly members and other APC chieftains in the state.
Okeyomi corroborated Yusuf-Ogunleye’s briefing, confirming that the governor also contacted him to clarify the situation and reaffirm his commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election.
In appreciation of Ondo GMT’s visible media presence and mobilisation activities, the National DG announced that the President had taken note of the state chapter’s efforts.
“We saw the adverts on Channels TV and full-page newspaper adverts. We are pleased with Ondo GMT. Lagos is happy with you,” said Hon. Bisi Yusuf.
As a mark of recognition, Yusuf-Ogunleye was formally presented with his letter of appointment and was mandated to oversee the selection and appointment of other GMT state officers and coordinators across the 18 local government areas in Ondo State.
A letter of commendation was also directed to be sent to Hon. Tunji-Ojo for his contributions to the group’s success.
The meeting ended on a high note with the national leadership resolving to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa to appreciate his reassurances and to further strengthen collaboration for the 2027 reelection of President Tinubu.
