Ondo Support Groups Drive Grassroots Momentum for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid
The political landscape in Ondo State is already buzzing with activity, far ahead of the next presidential election cycle. A network of dedicated support groups has launched an aggressive and well-coordinated grassroots campaign aimed at securing a second term for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. This early mobilization effort, operating in lockstep with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is transforming the state into a critical stronghold for the incumbent president’s re-election ambitions.
A Multi-Pronged Grassroots Offensive
Unlike traditional top-down political campaigns, the push for Tinubu in Ondo is being driven from the ground up. Several prominent support groups have embedded themselves within local communities, employing a potent mix of voter outreach, sensitization programs, and tangible social impact initiatives. This strategy is designed not just to win votes, but to build lasting loyalty.
The most influential groups leading this charge include the Grassroot Movement for Tinubu (GMT), the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), and the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT). Each organization brings a unique approach to mobilization, yet they share a common, ambitious goal: to significantly surpass Tinubu’s 2023 vote share of 67% in the state and deliver a resounding mandate of at least 80% in the 2027 presidential election.
The Grassroot Movement for Tinubu (GMT): Blending Politics with Public Service
Widely regarded as one of the most formidable pro-Tinubu structures in the state, GMT has taken a lead role in galvanizing support. The group’s strategy extends beyond typical political rallies and town hall meetings to include extensive door-to-door voter engagement. A key to its success has been its emphasis on inclusivity and strategic appointments.
This was recently demonstrated by the appointment of Comrade Alfred Akinuli, a former Action Alliance governorship candidate, as its Deputy Director-General—a move signaling a broad-tent approach to building a winning coalition.
Perhaps most impactful has been GMT’s flagship initiative, the ‘Jingi Asiwaju’ free medical outreach. This program has provided essential healthcare services to thousands of residents across Ondo, effectively demonstrating a model of politics that directly addresses community welfare. By tying political support to tangible benefits, GMT is creating a powerful incentive for voter allegiance.
The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG): Entrenching Local Presence
Meanwhile, the Asiwaju Mandate Group has been methodically deepening its footprint across all 18 local government areas. The group has focused on building a robust administrative framework, inauguting executives at both the ward and local government levels. This meticulous structuring ensures that its mobilization efforts are not superficial but are deeply entrenched within local communities.
Speakers at various AMG events have consistently praised the group’s leadership for cultivating a political network that genuinely resonates with ordinary citizens. Their approach is less about grandstanding and more about the slow, steady work of building trust and relationships at the most fundamental level of politics—the grassroots.
The Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT): The Modern Campaigners
Distinguishing itself with a forward-thinking approach, the Progressives Network for Tinubu is leveraging modern campaigning techniques to widen its reach. At its official launch in Akure, the state capital, Director-General Pastor Olumide Obadele outlined a vision that heavily relies on technology and strategic media engagement.
PNT aims to complement the on-the-ground work of other groups with a sophisticated digital strategy, targeting younger demographics and urban voters through social media campaigns, online sensitization programs, and digital content that articulates Tinubu’s achievements and future plans.
The Influential Backing of Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo
Political observers in the state note that the strength and coordination of these support groups are not occurring in a vacuum. Many point to the significant influence and backing of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. His formidable political structure and extensive support base in Ondo State are widely seen as instrumental in sustaining the momentum of the pro-Tinubu movement.
The minister’s endorsement and logistical support for groups like GMT, AMG, and PNT have lent them considerable credibility and enhanced their operational capacity. This high-level backing ensures that the grassroots campaigns are well-resourced and strategically aligned with the broader objectives of the APC at both the state and federal levels.
Navigating Internal Dynamics and the Push for a Merger
Despite the overall spirit of collaboration, the journey has not been entirely without friction. Tensions surfaced following a once-proposed initiative to merge all pro-Tinubu groups under a single, unified platform tentatively named “Ondo for Tinubu 2027.”
This proposal, aimed at creating a monolithic and streamlined campaign structure, met with resistance from several quarters. Leading groups, including the GMT, expressed a preference for maintaining their operational independence. They argued that their unique identities, strategies, and community connections were assets that could be diluted in a merger.
The resolution, it appears, has been a model of coordinated independence. The groups have agreed to align their ultimate objectives and key messaging with the APC’s overall goals while preserving their individual structures and methods of operation. This allows for healthy competition and innovation in mobilization tactics while ensuring all efforts contribute to a common victory.
Ondo: A Key Battleground Primed for an Overwhelming Mandate
As the 2027 elections gradually appear on the horizon, the activities in Ondo State offer a compelling case study in modern political mobilization. The coordinated yet decentralized approach of these support groups demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape.
Their continued focus on voter sensitization, combined with community-centric social programs, is effectively positioning Ondo not merely as a supporting state, but as a key battleground primed to deliver an overwhelming mandate for President Tinubu. The work being done today—the medical outreaches, the ward-level meetings, the digital campaigns—is laying a foundation that could prove decisive when Nigerians next go to the polls.
In the final analysis, the unfolding story in Ondo State underscores a critical lesson for contemporary politics: that sustainable support is built not just through promises, but through presence, persuasion, and palpable community impact. The success of this grassroots model may well define the playbook for future presidential re-election bids in Nigeria.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Independent Nigeria – https://independent.ng/ondo-support-groups-driving-tinubus-2027-re-election-push-alejolowo/