The leadership of the Igbo community in Ekiti State has dismissed allegations that it is mobilising its members to cast protest votes against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement signed by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ekiti State Chapter, High Chief (Sir) Alexander Ndubuisi, KSJI, the group described the allegation as false, baseless and the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to create unnecessary tension ahead of the election.
The statement was issued in response to reports claiming that the leadership of the Igbo community had concluded plans to persuade its members to vote against the APC over alleged multiple taxation by the Ekiti State Government.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denied ever convening any meeting with Igbo traders or community members to discuss issues relating to taxation or to deliberate on voting against the ruling party.
According to the group, no such gathering was held and no decision was taken to mobilise members against Governor Biodun Oyebanji or the APC.
The association maintained that the allegation was “an unfounded lie baked from the pit of hell,” stressing that the Igbo community enjoys cordial relations with the Oyebanji administration and has no reason to oppose the governor.
The leadership further recalled its pledge of support to Governor Oyebanji during the Igbo Cultural Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, where the governor was accompanied by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the community remains committed to that promise and has not reneged on its support for the governor.
The statement also accused unnamed individuals of attempting to paint the Igbo community in a bad light before the governor and his administration through what it described as false and malicious claims.
“The Igbo community has no grouse against the governor for any reason and will not denounce its support for him considering the developmental strides he has recorded,” the statement said.
The group therefore urged Governor Oyebanji, members of the APC and the general public to disregard the allegation and avoid being distracted by what it termed the antics of political job seekers and attention seekers.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the forthcoming election, the leadership said the support of the Igbo community for the APC and Governor Oyebanji would be evident in the results of the June 20 poll.
It also called on Igbo residents in the state to come out en masse on election day and exercise their civic responsibility wisely.