A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has raised alarms over a significant drop in voter turnout during the Ondo South senatorial by-election held on Saturday, calling it a “wake-up call” for the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, expressed concern that the turnout was drastically lower than in previous elections, despite the party’s victory and the recent influx of prominent political figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The group emphasized that the results should prompt introspection and renewed grassroots mobilization across the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Prof. Dayo Faduyile, a former National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), as the winner of the by-election. He secured 68,474 votes across the six local government areas that make up the Ondo South senatorial district. However, GMT pointed out that this figure is notably lower than the 126,196 votes the APC garnered in the same district during the 2024 governorship election, which produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The 2024 vote distribution showed APC received 26,811 votes in Okitipupa, 17,127 in Irele, 24,414 in Ilaje, 14,511 in Ese-Odo, 26,683 in Odigbo, and 16,600 in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.
GMT noted that the decline is particularly concerning given that several high-profile PDP figures, including former governorship candidate Hon. Agboola Ajayi, have since joined the APC. The group argued that such a shift in political allegiance should have strengthened the party’s electoral base, not weakened it. “The lesson is clear. Victory should not breed complacency. Rather, it should inspire introspection, reconciliation, and renewed grassroots mobilization,” stated Ojo Oyewamide, Director of Media for GMT. He stressed the need for genuine party unity and inclusive engagement with all stakeholders.
The group warned that internal divisions within the APC could undermine its chances in future elections, especially as preparations for the 2027 presidential election are already underway. GMT urged party leaders to prioritize reconciliation and ensure every member feels represented and involved. “The task before us is bigger than any individual or group. We cannot afford internal divisions at a time when preparations for the 2027 presidential election should already be gathering momentum,” Oyewamide added.
GMT also commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support of President Tinubu and the APC. His engagement with grassroots political groups, according to the statement, has helped expand the reach of the Renewed Hope agenda across Ondo State. As the party reflects on the recent by-election, the focus now shifts to rebuilding trust, strengthening party structures, and preparing for the next electoral cycle. The outcome of the Ondo South by-election serves as a critical reminder that sustained political success requires constant effort, unity, and connection with the electorate.
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