Some 250 political groups and structures have merged into the Omoluabi Coalition Group ahead of the November 2024 governorship elections in Ondo State.
This merger which happened on Monday, May 27, 2024, at an expanded executive meeting in Ore, Ondo State signals a major shift in the state’s political dynamics.
A Unified Front for Change
Aare Barr. Oladotun Hassan,President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), the foremost umbrella body for Yoruba socio-cultural groups, presided over the meeting, welcomed the coalition’s new members, representing all 18 local governments across the state, and urged them to uphold the Omoluabi ethos—principles of integrity, respect, and community.
He stressed the importance of unity among political factions, emphasizing that the upcoming election should focus on the candidates’ merits rather than party affiliations.
“This governorship election is not about political parties but about the candidates,”
Hassan measured the coalition’s mission to prioritize good governance and effective leadership over partisan politics.
Mobilizing Voters for a Democratic Future
The Director-General of the Omoluabi Coalition Group, Tunji Balogun highlighted a critical aspect of their strategy – voter mobilization. He retained the importance of voter cards, urging those who had not yet collected theirs to do so from the INEC offices in their respective local governments. Balogun also revealed the group’s ambitious target of securing 200,000 votes, a figure that would significantly impact the election’s outcome. Currently, registered voter cards within the coalition stand at 124,678, indicating a need for increased efforts in voter registration and mobilization.
Balogun also mandated new members to register their voter cards on the coalition’s portal for accurate documentation, ensuring a coordinated and efficient campaign effort.
An Independent Voice for Good Governance
While the discussions were enroute, the coalition’s women leader, Yeye Atunluse Oodua, Alhaja Tawakalitu, reinforced that the Omoluabi Coalition Group remains an independent, apolitical, and socio-cultural entity committed to good governance. She assured members that the group’s chosen candidate would emerge victorious in the November elections, a testament to their collective strength and commitment.
Tawakalitu explained“Our goal is to strengthen our democratic process and ensure that good governance prevails,”
Voices of Youth and Commitment
Youth leaders and state commanders echoed these sentiments, reiterating the importance of unity, focus, and loyalty among coalition members. They emphasized the coalition’s grassroots approach, which includes the inauguration of street captains in all 203 wards, ensuring comprehensive outreach and mobilization.
Building a Movement
The meeting concluded with the distribution of Omoluabi souvenirs to new members, symbolizing their commitment to the coalition’s cause. The atmosphere was one of optimism and resolve, as members prepared to embark on a concerted effort to transform Ondo State’s political landscape.
As the November elections approach, the Omoluabi Coalition Group stands as a formidable force, driven by a vision of integrity and good governance.
