Temitope ADEDEJI
It is obvious that over five different groups have so far emanated for the re – election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ondo state under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress APC which by all standards are said to be sponsored and bankrolled by the Minister of Interior, Hon Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, who also hails from the state like every other party members both within and outside the state
It is no doubt that the groups are really working tirelessly across the 18 local government areas of the state for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come back in 2027 for second term.
However, many of the party members have seen the avenue of the groups as a way to be active and known in the state than the relegation level they all found themselves.
The redundant or relegation here means , many of the party members are not being engaged frequently like before, not being patronized either directly or indirectly allegedly likened to the fact that the governor runs a super compact government which basically affect or has affected the political career of many and eventually taking them towards being relegated to zero like a football team.
Recently the governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa took a bold step by inaugurating an advisory Committee where it was agreed that , all groups working for the re election of President Bola Tinubu should come together under one umbrella as a body to achieve the common goal of campaigning for the president but large number of party members kicked against such move that it was an attempt to streamline or to send them packing.
Obviously, whosoever that must have advised the interior Minister , Olubunmi Tunji Ojo over the formation of all the groups for Tinubu has really done beautifully well and for the Minister to have accepted , he has also harkened well, everyone of them has belonged to a political group.
Late Gov Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was the first APC governor in the state which created avenues for other party members to partake actively in the administration with different ideas , engaged them through some programs that were directly or indirectly affected their lives and that of their families positively.
The Programs of his wife Mrs Betty Akeredolu were another initiatives that brought all women closer across the local governments .
Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, within his sub-conscious , thought of how he could engage and keep the party men and women going, he formed and still forming groups for Tinubu re election in the state ahead of 2027 poll.
To a large extent, the party members are happy and having sense of belonging base on the formations across the local governments.
Few of the groups are : Grassroot Movement For Tinubu GMT, Progressive Network For Tinubu PNT, Tinubu Awareness Group TAG, and host of others.
Many party members would have waited till election period, perform and campaign less for the party if not for the awakening as of old that was quickly introduced by the interior Minister.
All these initiatives brought back lives and willingness to serve , of all party members and have given the Minister an edge to hold the party than the governor because he provides little daily breads for all members , he also engage them politically by allowing massive participation.
It is on this note that, the governor should also think outside the box and see what can be done to unite the party members through the Chairman of the party ,Engr Ade Adetimehin who has also done tremendously well in uniting the party, not only that , won elections.
The governor should give his wife , Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa free hands to operate and engage women across the state.
Active political programs delight party members that could even bring more members from the opposing parties since the objective of any party is to win election.
So far, It is believed that no one has ever been in the forefront of the re election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu like Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo in Ondo state.
