The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has set a goal to secure one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State during the 2027 general election. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure Tinubu's re-election, with various support groups emerging in the state. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu received 369,924 votes in Ondo State, accounting for 67.14% of the total valid votes. The AMG, led by Director-General Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, is working to surpass this number.
The AMG has established a strong presence across Ondo State, with structures in all 18 local government areas, 203 political wards, and 3,933 units. The group has garnered support from various segments of society, including youth, students, artisans, transporters, okada riders, people living with disabilities, labour unions, and market women. Asagunla expressed confidence in achieving the one million vote target, citing the group's extensive grassroots mobilisation efforts and the successes of the Renewed Hope Agenda under Tinubu's administration.
According to Asagunla, the one million vote target is realistic, given that there are 2,053,061 registered voters in Ondo State, with 1,757,205 collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He attributed the growing support for the AMG to the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the NELFUND programme, which has provided relief to students and their parents. The programme's soft repayment conditions have been a significant factor in the group's mobilisation efforts.
Recently, hundreds of members from the United Artisan Groups across Ondo State declared their support for Tinubu's re-election at the AMG secretariat in Akure. This event was part of the ongoing mobilisation efforts by the AMG to engage different groups and communities ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Asagunla described the growing support from professional and community groups as a significant motivation for the AMG's grassroots mobilisation structure.
The United Artisan Group, with over 700,000 registered members, has pledged its support for the one million vote project. Asagunla stated that most members have their PVCs and are ready to work with the AMG. Earlier, labour leaders in Ondo State, under the Labour for Good Governance, led thousands of affiliate labour groups in declaring their support for the project, citing improved workers' welfare and infrastructure development as reasons for their backing.
Other groups, including commercial motorcycle operators, women's groups, students, people living with disabilities, and the elderly, have also aligned with the AMG to support Tinubu's re-election. Asagunla commended these professional groups for their dedication and efforts to meet the one million vote target, attributing the success to the vision and support of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who founded the AMG.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been credited with providing the vision and funding for the AMG's one million vote project. Asagunla acknowledged the minister's role in the group's success, stating that his support has been instrumental in mobilising the various groups and communities across Ondo State.
Key points
- The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) aims to secure one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State for the 2027 general election.
- The group has garnered support from various segments of society, including youth, students, artisans, and labour unions.
- The AMG's efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure Tinubu's re-election, leveraging the successes of the Renewed Hope Agenda and grassroots mobilisation.
