Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Thursday arrived in Ekiti State to mobilise members of the Kogi community resident in the state in support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.
The former governor’s visit formed part of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the crucial poll, with Bello engaging thousands of Kogi indigenes across different parts of the state and urging them to support the re-election bid of Governor Oyebanji.
Bello’s first point of call upon arrival was Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area, where he addressed members of the Kogi community and encouraged them to come out en masse on election day to cast their votes for the APC candidate.
Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Bello commended Kogi citizens living in Ekiti State for being worthy ambassadors of their home state and for maintaining peaceful and cordial relationships with their host communities. He noted that many members of the Kogi community had lived and conducted their businesses in Ekiti for years and, as such, had become integral stakeholders in the state’s development.
According to him, supporting the incumbent administration would further strengthen the relationship between the Kogi community and the Ekiti State Government while also creating opportunities for greater inclusion and access to developmental projects.
The former governor later proceeded to Ikole-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, where he was received by another large gathering of Kogi indigenes who turned out in their thousands to welcome him and members of his entourage.
Addressing the crowd, Bello expressed confidence in the APC’s chances of victory in Saturday’s election, stating that the overwhelming support demonstrated by the people was a clear indication that Governor Oyebanji would secure a second term in office.
He urged members of the Kogi community to participate actively in the electoral process and ensure that the governor is returned to office with a convincing mandate. Bello stressed that delivering substantial votes for the APC would position the community for greater recognition and increased participation in governance.
“Let me first and foremost commend all of you for being good ambassadors of our dear state, Kogi. I urge you to continue to live peacefully and harmoniously with your neighbours and host communities. I am delighted to see this massive turnout and I sincerely appreciate the warm reception accorded to me and my team.
“As we approach Saturday’s election, I have no doubt that you will support and re-elect the incumbent governor, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term in office. We must give him our total support because he has demonstrated commitment to the development of Ekiti State and the welfare of its people.
“When the election is concluded and Governor Oyebanji is re-elected, I and the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, will proudly present your impressive results to him. It is through your overwhelming support that you can confidently seek greater representation in government, including appointments as commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, heads of agencies and other strategic positions.
“When you support a government, that government is encouraged to reciprocate by providing the necessary infrastructure, amenities and opportunities that improve the lives of the people. Therefore, I urge every one of you to come out in large numbers on Saturday and vote massively for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC,” Bello said.
Responding, Alhaji Tijani Enesi assured the former governor that the Kogi Community have been supporting the ruling party in every election, stressing that the next election wouldn’t be different from the previous ones. He said the Kogi Community comprises of Ebiras, Okuns, and Igalas have cordial relationships and will continue to work together for common interest.
The mobilisation train later moved to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where the former governor was also received by thousands of members of the Kogi community.
Speaking at the gathering, Bello reiterated the need for the community to support Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, describing the governor as a leader who has demonstrated capacity, competence and commitment to the growth and development of Ekiti State.
He assured the people that a second term for Governor Oyebanji would translate into more dividends of democracy, accelerated infrastructural development, improved social services and greater economic opportunities for residents of the state.
The visit attracted party supporters, community leaders, youth groups and women associations, all of whom pledged their support for the APC candidate ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The mobilisation of non-indigenous communities, including the sizeable Kogi population in Ekiti State, could play a significant role in boosting voter turnout and strengthening support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid as the APC intensifies its campaign efforts across the state.
