Ekiti 2026: Uzodimma, Ododo mobilise Igbos, Kogites for Oyebanji’s re-election

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Usman Ododo, on Saturday rallied members of the Igbo and Kogi communities in Ekiti State to support the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

The two governors spoke at two separate events held in Ado Ekiti, where they drummed support for Governor Oyebanji.

They described the governor as “an impactful leader whose administration had impacted positively on the lives of the people of Ekiti”.

Governor Uzodimma spoke at the annual cultural day celebration of the Igbo community in Ekiti State held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavillion, Ado Ekiti, while Governor Ododo spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement hosted by the Ebira, Igala, and Okun people to strengthen their partnership with the Ekiti State Government and to publicly proclaim their support for Oyebanji’s re-election. 

Addressing the Igbo community, Uzodimma described Oyebanji as a bridge-builder and an inclusive leader who has created a peaceful and business-friendly environment for all residents irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

He urged the people to reciprocate the governor’s goodwill by giving him overwhelming support at the June 20 governorship election.

He said continuity would enable Oyebanji to consolidate on his impressive developmental strides and sustain the prevailing atmosphere of peace, unity, and prosperity in Ekiti State.

He said: “My dear good people of Igbo indigenes in Ekiti State, I bring greetings from the National leadership of our party, APC, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am here not only to witness this annual cultural day, but to also thank you for supporting our party, because the support you have given to Governor Oyebanji is the support you are also giving to APC and the President.

“I am happy I can see joy in your faces.

“I am happy that you have a God fearing governor, a governor with clear heart, a governor who does not discriminate, a governor who is including everybody in his policies and programmes. 

“Our presence here today is to act as a witness that all the good things the governor has done for you in Ekiti is appreciated and what we are saying today is that because Governor Oyebanji has done well, he should continue for the next four years.

“And I want to assure you that for the next four years, he will double the inclusion he has given to you during the first four years.”

Speaking at the forum organised by Kogi State indigenes at Eagle Hall, Ododo commended Oyebanji for his commitment to unity, security and development.

He noted that the Kogi community in Ekiti had enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the state government. 

He called on Kogi indigenes living across Ekiti State to remain steadfast in their support for the governor’s re-election.

While stressing that Oyebanji’s leadership style has fostered peace, economic growth, and social inclusion, making Ekiti one of the most stable states in the country, the Kogi State governor said continuity would enable the Ekiti State governor consolidate on his developmental strides and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

He said: “Your Excellency, I want to let you know that we are here today not just for fun, we are here for business.

“We have come in our numbers to show appreciation for all you have been doing for humanity and of course my people from Kogi State residing in Ekiti.

“Your Excellency, you have nothing to fear.

“We are just here to let you know that the only language we understand in the coming election is APC and BAO. 

“This is the time for us as Kogians to show appreciation.

“We are not ungrateful human beings.

“We know what you have done for us and we know that you’re Mr. President’s choice and to show gratitude to the President, we must give you our 100 percent votes.”

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the Igbo and Kogi communities for their support for his government and contributions to the economic and social development of Ekiti State. 

He assured them that his administration will continue to provide a conducive environment for businesses and residents to thrive.

“I am so touched by what has happened here today.

“I am short of words and I am extremely grateful to you. 

“We started our journey three and a half years ago when we met at one hall along Ilawe Road, but today we are meeting at the pavilion. 

“We entered into some agreement and you did what you promised in 2022 and I have no doubt that you will do more come June 20.