Support group alleges campaign of blackmail and obstruction by rival faction
The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), a major support group working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has raised alarm over what it describes as sustained attacks and acts of sabotage allegedly orchestrated by another faction, the Asiwaju Media Team (AMT), in Ondo State.
The Director-General of GMT in the state, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, made this allegation in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital. He accused the rival group of running a sponsored campaign of misinformation and blackmail targeted at frustrating the lawful activities of GMT across the state.
According to Ogunleye, the rival group has been sending petitions and letters to security agencies in a desperate bid to discredit GMT’s operations, especially as the movement continues to expand its local government chapters and mobilize grassroots supporters for President Tinubu’s political agenda.
Group accuses rivals of using fake petitions to block lawful events
Ogunleye claimed that GMT recently discovered one of such letters, allegedly written by the Asiwaju Media Team, calling for the restriction and outright ban of GMT activities across Ondo State. The letter, he said, was copied to various security agencies.
He expressed dismay that the petition was reportedly cited by security officials to cancel GMT’s Ilaje Local Government inauguration scheduled for October 31, 2025, on alleged security grounds. Despite the setback, Ogunleye noted that the event was eventually held successfully after extensive clarifications and appeals.
“The purported letter from the Asiwaju Media Team was used as justification to nearly scuttle our inauguration,” he said. “But to the glory of God, the event went on as planned.”
GMT accuses group of banning its humanitarian activities
The Director-General further accused the rival group of holding an unauthorized meeting where it “banned” GMT operations in the state, including its free medical outreach program — a humanitarian project designed to assist vulnerable residents who cannot afford healthcare.
He alleged that the move was part of a broader plan to create political tension ahead of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sports Festival, scheduled to begin on November 6, 2025, at the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
Denied access to government facilities, GMT says
According to Ogunleye, GMT had made formal requests to use several government-owned facilities for its events. Letters were sent to the Governor, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council as early as September 9, 2025. However, he said none of the letters received a response.
He described it as “ironic and disappointing” that the same venues denied to GMT for a presidential support event were later made available for the Odatiwa U-17 Football Competition.
“It is unfortunate that a presidential honour event in celebration of our nation’s leader was denied access to public facilities, while other less significant events were granted approval,” Ogunleye lamented.
Alleged removal of banners and intimidation of members
Ogunleye also alleged that during GMT’s visit to Ilaje, its signposts and banners along major routes — from the airport to Araromi Village and Iyeoma Plaza to First Bank — were illegally removed and replaced with new ones bearing the inscription ‘Ondo for Tinubu’.
He claimed that the operation was carried out using state-owned Hilux vehicles, an action he said he personally reported to the Governor, out of respect for his office and position as the state’s political leader.
The GMT Director-General accused the rival group of abandoning its original mission of promoting President Tinubu’s image, choosing instead to attack other legitimate support groups.
Calls for calm and unity among Tinubu supporters
Ogunleye urged members of GMT and all supporters of President Tinubu in Ondo State to remain calm and focused, despite what he described as deliberate provocations. He stressed that freedom of association and peaceful assembly are constitutional rights that cannot be taken away by any individual or group.
“The President is an experienced leader who understands the motives of political actors far beyond Ondo State,” he said. “Any person or group attempting to hinder the legitimate activities of pro-Tinubu organisations is an enemy of democracy.”
He added that GMT remains a national movement with active chapters in all 36 states of Nigeria, committed to grassroots mobilisation and unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
GMT alleges continuous intimidation of supporters
Ogunleye further alleged that GMT members have faced multiple forms of harassment, including denial of access to booked venues, intimidation of transporters, and attempts to bribe or lure members away with promises of empowerment programmes.
He also claimed that some commercial drivers and union members sympathetic to GMT had been unlawfully dismissed from motor parks for refusing to participate in attacks against the group.
Despite these challenges, the GMT leader emphasized that his group operates strictly within the law and enjoys the support of the national headquarters and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Group reaffirms loyalty to President Tinubu
Ogunleye concluded by reaffirming GMT’s unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and the principles of democracy, freedom, and inclusivity.
“In democracy, the more the merrier,” he said. “Every citizen has a right to associate, organise, and campaign peacefully. We stand for unity, freedom, and democratic participation.”
