The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has rejected a directive by the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mandating the registration of all support groups at the state level, describing the move as unnecessary and an overreach.

The directive, issued through the party’s Publicity Secretary, Otunba Muyide Kayode, was aimed at strengthening party cohesion and enhancing electoral readiness.

However, in a statement signed by its Director of Communication, Comrade Ayodeji Ologun, the group said the directive reflects a misunderstanding of the structure and independence of recognised support groups.

AMG stated that it is already registered and recognised at the national level in line with party provisions, noting that it operates under the framework of the APC’s national leadership responsible for support groups and mobilisation.

The group also expressed concern over safety, citing a previous attempt to convene support groups at the state secretariat which reportedly ended in violence, leaving several members injured.

“It is unreasonable to expect responsible groups to expose their members to a repeat of such an experience under the guise of administrative coordination,” the statement said.

AMG maintained that it is neither funded nor controlled by the Ondo State Government or the APC at the state level, insisting that no state structure has the authority to compel its operations in a way that undermines its autonomy.

While reaffirming its commitment to the APC, the group stressed that support groups are strategic partners in grassroots mobilisation and not subordinate entities to state actors.

It highlighted its activities across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, including voter education, volunteer mobilisation, community outreach, and promotion of government policies.

AMG urged party leaders in the state to prioritise inclusiveness and genuine cohesion rather than attempting to impose control on independent support groups.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and contributing to the electoral success of the APC.