BTO: The Grassroots General Powering the Renewed Hope Agenda in Ondo State.
By : Babatunde KUYE
Politics has always produced leaders, but only a few succeed in building movements that endure beyond election cycles. Such leaders leave behind structures, inspire loyal followership and shape the political direction of their time. In Ondo State today, many within the political space believe Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, belongs to that class of leaders.
Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), BTO has grown beyond the profile of a public office holder. Through years of strategic political engagement, relentless grassroots mobilisation and an unwavering commitment to the party, he has become one of the principal forces behind the APC’s growing dominance in Ondo State. More importantly, he has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that the administration’s message reaches the grassroots where political strength is truly built.
His approach to politics has been remarkably different. While many politicians concentrate their activities around election periods, BTO has consistently invested in building structures that remain active throughout the year. He understands that political victories are secured long before election day through sustained engagement, public trust and a network of committed people who share a common vision.
That philosophy explains the remarkable growth of pro APC support groups across Ondo State. Over the years, BTO has inspired, encouraged and supported the emergence of vibrant grassroots organisations that have become formidable platforms for political mobilisation, civic engagement and community development.
Today, organisations such as the Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN), Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT), BTO4PBAT, Asiwaju Transport Movement (ATM), Ondo Connect and several other support platforms have become household names in the state’s political landscape. Spread across the eighteen local government areas, these organisations have strengthened the APC at the grassroots while serving as effective channels for communicating government policies and promoting citizen participation.
The objective is clear. Beyond strengthening the APC, these groups are committed to mobilising massive grassroots support for the re election of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Through continuous advocacy, community engagement and people centred programmes, they have transformed the Renewed Hope Agenda from a government policy into a movement that resonates with ordinary citizens across Ondo State.
Their work extends far beyond politics. Youth empowerment initiatives, farmers’ support programmes, educational assistance, humanitarian interventions, skills acquisition schemes, medical outreaches and other community based projects have demonstrated that politics can serve as a platform for development. In many communities, these interventions have strengthened public confidence in the APC while reinforcing the connection between government and the people.
This consistent engagement has fundamentally changed the nature of grassroots politics in Ondo State. Instead of waiting for campaign seasons, the structures remain active throughout the year, expanding party membership, educating citizens, promoting government programmes and strengthening the APC from the polling units to the state level.
Little wonder many party faithful now regard Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as the political arrowhead of the Renewed Hope movement in Ondo State. His ability to bring diverse support groups together under a shared vision has further consolidated the party’s grassroots structures and enhanced its organisational capacity across the state.
Beyond party politics, BTO has become a household name in Ondo State. His growing popularity is evident in the conversations taking place across communities, markets, campuses and social gatherings. Increasingly, many supporters openly express the belief that he possesses the vision, energy and administrative capacity to provide greater leadership for the state in the years ahead.
Across the nooks and crannies of Ondo State, one expression has gained remarkable popularity: “Afẹfẹ BTO ń fẹ.” It is more than a political slogan. It reflects the growing momentum of a movement whose influence continues to spread across communities, especially among young people who see in him a leader deeply connected to the grassroots.
Leadership is ultimately measured by influence, and influence is measured by the number of people willing to embrace and advance a leader’s vision. Across Ondo State, thousands of young people, women, professionals, artisans, market leaders and community stakeholders have found platforms through which they can actively participate in politics and community development.
As the APC prepares for the political contests ahead, one reality has become increasingly evident. Strong electoral victories are sustained by strong grassroots structures, and those structures are built through years of consistency, sacrifice and genuine engagement with the people.
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated a clear understanding of this political reality. His commitment to strengthening the APC, supporting grassroots organisations and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has helped reposition the party in Ondo State while creating a model of political mobilisation that many now seek to emulate.
History often remembers those who build institutions rather than those who merely occupy offices. Judging by the expanding network of grassroots organisations, the growing acceptance of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the increasing political momentum across Ondo State, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has established himself as one of the most influential grassroots mobilisers of his generation.
If the road to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re election in Ondo State is to be measured by the strength of grassroots organisation, then BTO has undoubtedly become one of the principal architects of that journey. His investment in people, his unwavering loyalty to the APC and his commitment to expanding the Renewed Hope movement continue to shape the political landscape of the Sunshine State, one community at a time.
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