By Lateef Ibrahim
As campaigns enter the final stretch ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has intensified efforts to mobilise grassroots voters and minority communities in support of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.
The senator’s intervention underscores the increasing importance political parties are placing on community-based mobilisation as the race for the Ekiti Government House approaches its climax.
Speaking at the grand finale of the PDP governorship campaign in Ado-Ekiti during the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she had spent several days traversing different parts of the state to canvass support for the party’s candidate.
Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, women groups, youth organizations and members of the Ebira community, she described Oluyede as a leader whose vision and leadership qualities make him the best choice for the state’s highest office.
According to the senator, the PDP candidate has demonstrated a strong commitment to issues that directly affect ordinary citizens, including education, economic development, youth empowerment and women’s participation in governance.
She argued that Oluyede’s connection with grassroots communities distinguishes him from other contenders in the race.
“Dr. Oluwole Oluyede is a leader who understands the needs of the people. He is not disconnected from the grassroots. He has listened to the cries of market women, youths, civil servants and community leaders across the state,” she said.
A major focus of her campaign efforts was the mobilisation of the Ebira population resident in various parts of Ekiti State, whom she urged to participate actively in the electoral process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she visited several communities, including Ikole-Ekiti, Ilasa and other settlements with sizeable Ebira populations, to encourage residents to support the PDP candidate.
She said one of the factors motivating her support for Oluyede was his commitment to inclusive governance and equal representation for all ethnic groups living in the state.
According to her, the PDP candidate has pledged to run an administration that accommodates diverse communities and ensures that no group is marginalised in governance.
