Ondo APC Faces Fresh Rift Over Tinubu Support Groups Directive

A new wave of tension is building within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following strong opposition by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) to a directive issued by the party’s state leadership.

The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Otunba Muyide Kayode, had instructed all political support groups and affiliated bodies mobilising for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally register with the party.

The move, according to the leadership, is aimed at promoting unity, ensuring discipline, and coordinating mobilisation efforts ahead of upcoming elections.

However, GMT, a key pro-Tinubu support platform in the state, has rejected the directive, describing it as ill-conceived and potentially divisive. In a statement signed by its Director of Media, Ojo Oyewamide, the group warned that the move could worsen existing internal rifts and weaken grassroots support for the president.

The group criticised the directive as coercive and poorly timed, arguing that it attempts to exert unnecessary control over independent support structures that have been instrumental in mobilising backing for Tinubu. GMT maintained that such an approach risks alienating loyal supporters rather than strengthening party cohesion.

According to the statement, the directive has already triggered discontent among members across the state, many of whom are still grappling with the aftermath of previous intra-party conflicts that reportedly led to injuries and loss of lives.

While the APC leadership defended the registration requirement as a strategy to create a unified database, reduce rivalry among groups, and enhance electoral preparedness, GMT dismissed the justification. The group insisted that independent support organisations have played a crucial role in sustaining the party’s presence in the state.

“It is rather unfortunate that the current state executive appears more focused on issuing directives than fostering reconciliation among party members,” the statement read.

Oyewamide further stated, “At a time like this, the leadership should prioritise unity and healing, instead of introducing measures that could deepen divisions. Numerous support groups—including civil society organisations, market women, and socio-cultural bodies—are already contributing their resources to promote the president’s re-election.”

The group also questioned the legitimacy of some state officials, alleging that certain leaders did not emerge through proper ward-level processes but are now attempting to impose control over established grassroots structures.

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GMT argued that the directive is an attempt to dismantle independent mobilisation networks and reassert central control, warning that such a move could undermine the party’s electoral strength.

Citing the stance of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the group noted that the governor has consistently supported the existence of multiple support groups as part of broader mobilisation efforts, adding that such inclusiveness contributed to his electoral success.

Describing the directive as counterproductive, GMT urged the party leadership to focus on reconciliation, inclusiveness, and unity.

“The re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains our priority. The party must focus on uniting its members rather than introducing directives that could harm its chances,” the statement added.

GMT concluded by asserting its legitimacy as a national body recognised by the APC at the federal level, stressing that its Ondo chapter operates within that framework.