By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, has congratulated Prof. Dayo Faduyile on his victory in the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, but warned of a noticeable decline in APC votes compared to previous elections.

In a statement by its Director of Media, Ojo Oyewamide, GMT said Faduyile’s win “demonstrates the confidence of the people in our great party, the APC, and reflects the goodwill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy in Ondo State.”

The group added that the result reinforces electorate support for the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

It cited ongoing federal projects including the rehabilitation of Ore-Ondo-Akure Road and dualisation of Ilesha-Akure-Benin expressway as proof of Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure and economic growth.

While celebrating the victory, GMT drew attention to what it called a “matter of strategic importance” — the drop in APC votes in Ondo South.

The group urged APC members and stakeholders in the district to embrace greater unity and cohesion.

It also called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intensify development efforts and build on the foundation laid by late former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who delivered projects like the Ore interchange bridge and Okitipupa township roads.

GMT expressed concern over the voting pattern in Saturday’s by-election. While APC won, the figures showed reduced electoral strength.

“In the 2024 governorship election, APC secured 126,196 votes across Ondo South’s six LGAs. In this by-election, the party garnered 68,474 votes,” Oyewamide stated, noting the decline despite the defection of PDP governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi and other PDP leaders to APC.

“The lesson is clear. Victory should not breed complacency. The APC must urgently embark on genuine reconciliation and inclusive party-building. Every stakeholder must feel valued,” GMT said.

The group set an ambitious target: delivering at least one million votes for President Tinubu in Ondo State in 2027.

It also commended Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for expanding the Renewed Hope message through grassroots groups.

GMT urged party leaders to treat the vote decline as a “wake-up call” for unity, reconciliation and performance-driven governance.

Oyewamide said that ” As we celebrate the victory of Prof. Faduyile, we urge party leaders and members to carefully reflect on the implications of the voting statistics from the by-election.

The outcome should serve as a wake-up call and an opportunity for renewed commitment to unity, reconciliation and performance-driven governance.

“We further encourage Governor Aiyedatiwa to accelerate infrastructural development across the state, complete ongoing projects initiated by previous administrations and ensure that every senatorial district benefits from the dividends of democracy.

“Such efforts will complement the visible presence of the federal government in Ondo State and further strengthen public confidence in the APC.

“The significant decline in votes in the Saturday’s by-election compared to previous elections should serve as a warning signal and a call for unity, reconciliation and intensified governance.

“This is a strategic concern. The road to 2027 begins now. APC must remain united, focused and committed to delivering good governance to the people.