APC Group Warns of Alarming Voter Apathy in Ondo By‑Election

A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) voiced concerns on Tuesday about a sharp drop in voter turnout during the Ondo South by‑election held on Saturday.

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, said the marked decline in participation—when compared with earlier elections in the state—warrants reflection.

While congratulating the by‑election winner, Prof. Dayo Faduyile of the APC, GMT’s Director of Media, Ojo Oyewamide, stated that the result should serve as a “wake‑up call” for the party in the state, especially with the 2027 general election approaching.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Faduyile, a former National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the victor after he secured 68,474 votes across the six local government areas of the senatorial district.

The group described the APC’s performance as unimpressive, noting that the party had received a total of 126,196 votes in the senatorial district during the 2024 governorship election that elected Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“According to the distribution of the votes, APC in 2024 scored 26,811 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,” Oyewamide said.

“This development is even more noteworthy considering that Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 election, along with several notable PDP leaders and supporters, has since joined the APC. Ordinarily, the influx of such political heavyweights and their supporters should have translated into increased electoral strength for our party.”

“The lesson is clear. Victory should not breed complacency. Rather, it should inspire introspection, reconciliation, and renewed grassroots mobilization. The APC in Ondo State must urgently embark on genuine reconciliation and inclusive party‑building. Every stakeholder must be carried along.”

“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.”

“GMT also wishes to commend the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, for his unwavering commitment to the success of President Tinubu and the APC. His support for various grassroots political groups has significantly expanded the reach of the Renewed Hope message across Ondo State,” Oyewamide added.