Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Thursday visited Ekiti State to rally members of the Kogi community behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.
The visit was part of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation campaign ahead of the poll, with Bello engaging thousands of Kogi indigenes across the state and urging them to support Governor Oyebanji’s bid for a second term.
Bello began his tour in Omuo-Ekiti, located in Ekiti East Local Government Area, where he met with members of the Kogi community and encouraged them to turn out in large numbers on election day to vote for the APC candidate.
Addressing the gathering, Bello commended Kogi indigenes residing in Ekiti for being exemplary representatives of their state and for maintaining peaceful relationships with their host communities.
He noted that many had lived and worked in Ekiti for years, making them key contributors to the state’s growth and development.
According to him, supporting the current administration would strengthen ties between the Kogi community and the Ekiti State Government while creating more opportunities for inclusion and development.
The former governor later moved to Ikole-Ekiti, where he was welcomed by another large crowd of Kogi indigenes.
Bello expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in Saturday’s election, citing the strong support shown by community members.
He urged them to participate actively in the electoral process and ensure Governor Oyebanji secures a decisive mandate, adding that delivering substantial votes for the APC would enhance the community’s visibility and increase its chances of benefiting from government appointments and development initiatives.
Bello commended the community for its unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of supporting a government that has shown commitment to development and the welfare of the people.
He also assured them that their support would be recognised and appreciated by both the Ekiti and Kogi state governments.
Responding, community leader Alhaji Tijani Enesi reaffirmed the Kogi community’s loyalty to the ruling party, stating that its members, including Ebiras, Okuns and Igalas have consistently supported the APC and would do so again in the forthcoming election.
The mobilisation exercise later continued in Ado-Ekiti, where Bello again met with thousands of Kogi indigenes. He described Governor Oyebanji as a capable and committed leader whose re-election would bring more infrastructural development, improved social services and greater economic opportunities to the people of Ekiti State.
The event attracted party faithful, community leaders, youth groups and women associations, all of whom pledged their support for Governor Oyebanji and the APC ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
