'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Ahead of the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State called on the Ebira community in Ondo to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to a statement by Ismaila Isah, the special adviser on media to the governor, speaking at a major APC rally at Mobil Roundabout in Owo on Saturday, Governor Ododo highlighted the importance of sustaining the achievements of the APC government in Ondo.
Addressing the crowd, Ododo, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Ondo State Governorship Election Campaign Council, reminded the Ebira community of their longstanding ties to Ondo, referring to it as a “second home” for Ebiras. He encouraged them to replicate the overwhelming support they displayed in the 2020 governorship election, where the APC emerged victorious.
“I have come to thank you for the support you gave the APC in the last governorship election in Ondo State,” Governor Ododo said. He emphasized the significant presence of the Ebira community in Owo, Ifo, Ose, and other areas, urging them to spread the APC’s message and vote for Aiyedatiwa on November 16.
Governor Ododo assured Ondo residents that Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC are committed to delivering critical dividends of democracy, promising improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, agriculture, and security across the state. He reiterated that the APC’s leadership, at both federal and state levels, would continue to value and reward the community’s loyalty.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, noting the project’s strategic value for Kogi State’s economy. Ododo affirmed the APC administration’s dedication to ensuring that the people of both Kogi and Ondo benefit from the party’s leadership.
Speaking highly of Governor Aiyedatiwa, Governor Ododo described him as a “tested hand” who could be trusted to continue the growth trajectory initiated under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in December 2023. “We know Governor Aiyedatiwa; he has been tested and can be trusted. We want continuity and consolidation, and he has started very well,” Ododo asserted, promising the full support of the Ebira, Igala, and Okun communities in Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa responded by emphasizing the need for unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in Ondo State. He also pledged to increase opportunities for non-indigenous communities if re-elected, strengthening his commitment to inclusivity and development.
Kogi APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, who was part of the governor’s entourage, echoed these sentiments, commending the strong relationship between Kogi indigenes and Ondo residents. He assured that this spirit of cooperation would translate into massive votes for Aiyedatiwa and the APC in the upcoming election.
Earlier in the day, Governor Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the Ohinoyi of Anebira in Owo, His Royal Highness Adayi Isa Ahmed, who expressed his excitement over the governor’s presence. He pledged that the Ebira community would fully support Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting his favorable actions, including the appointment of five Ebira community members to positions of authority. The royal father assured Ododo that the community’s turnout would exceed that of previous elections, reciprocating the goodwill shown by the APC government.
The rally in Owo saw the enthusiastic participation of the Ebira community from areas such as Utose, Omolonge, Utelu, and Agopanu, as well as supporters from the six local government areas in Ondo North Senatorial District. The event underscored the strength of the APC’s support base among diverse communities within Ondo and reinforced the party’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach.
The stage is now set for what promises to be a keenly contested election, with Governor Ododo’s call further energizing APC supporters in Ondo State as they prepare to head to the polls on November 16.
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