Exclusive Interview: Kigho Backs Ibani, Urges Unity Among Abraka Assembly Contenders

The Convener and leader of Abraka United For Ibani Movement, Chief Efe Don Kigho, has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Abraka State Constituency election, Hon. Felix Erhimedafe, popularly known as Ibani, describing him as a candidate with strong grassroots connections and the capacity to attract development to the constituency.

Kigho, who is also the Achoja of Abraka, made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Mo Media Headlines, where he spoke extensively about his relationship with the major contenders for the Abraka State Constituency seat, the political dynamics in the constituency and the need for the people to place community interest above personal relationships.

He disclosed that his relationship with the major contestants goes beyond politics, stressing that they are all brothers and members of the same broader family.

According to him, Ibani is his elder brother, while he has known another contender, Hon. Erhire Awharitoma, since their primary school days.

He also recalled his longstanding relationship with Hon. Rex Ogboru, noting that both of them gained admission to the Lagos State University (LASU) around the same period and participated in their matriculation together.

Kigho said the close relationships made the political contest particularly sensitive, but insisted that community interest should guide political decisions.

«“We are family, and the three of them are Urhuoka people from the same Ihobe family where I am from,” he said.»

He acknowledged that other contenders had also touched lives in different ways, but argued that Ibani currently enjoys significant grassroots acceptance and political connections within the community.

“Erhire Awharitoma has not been on ground for a while, and that is understandable, but he has also touched a lot of lives. Ibani, right now, has control, almost absolute control, of our ancestral home,” Kigho said.

He maintained that, from his assessment of the political field, Ibani currently enjoys a considerable advantage among the contenders.

Kigho, who described himself as someone who had spent more than two decades in opposition politics because of what he considered the interest of the community, said Abraka people should distinguish between family loyalty and genuine community interest.

“I have been in opposition for more than 20 years, just because of the interest of the community. We misrepresented family relationship for community interest,” he stated.

He added: “Abraka agenda and community interest is not family relationship. We got it wrong by thinking that because the person is from Abraka, then it is automatically Abraka interest.

“It should be about who can enable Abraka to develop and get the needed dividends.”

Why I Chose Ibani

Kigho said his support for Ibani was not based on the fact that the latter had already secured the APC ticket, stressing that he had personally encouraged him to contest the election even before he emerged as the party’s candidate.

He said he had earlier told Ibani that he considered him a strong candidate and urged him not to abandon the ambition.

According to him, his support was based on his assessment of Ibani’s grassroots relationships, political network and ability to engage with people in government.

Kigho cited Ibani’s previous activities as a party leader, his empowerment initiatives and his alleged contribution to infrastructure in parts of Abraka as some of the reasons for his support.

He particularly recalled a road project around the area where his family’s property is located, saying the road was tarred following Ibani’s intervention and influence.

“Our family estate is on the same road where Ibani stays. Because of Ibani, through his influence, that road was tarred. They stopped it at his place, but at least we pass through the road to our side,” he said.

He also credited Ibani with attracting empowerment opportunities to youths in Abraka even before holding elective office.

Political Connections

Kigho further pointed to Ibani’s previous position as a party chairman and his relationship with political actors in Delta State as an advantage he believes could be useful if he becomes a member of the Delta State House of Assembly.

He specifically referenced Ibani’s relationship with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and members of the State House of Assembly.

“Former party chairman, Ibani has a one-on-one relationship with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,” Kigho said, adding that he believes Ibani is also familiar with several members of the State Executive Council and government officials.

He argued that such relationships could make it easier for a representative to attract government attention to constituency demands.

“There will hardly be any door Ibani will knock and it will not open, unlike people that will go there as outsiders,” he said.

Kigho consequently expressed confidence that Ibani would provide what he described as “very good representation” if elected.

Appeal for Peaceful Campaign

Despite his support for Ibani, Kigho appealed to the other contestants and their supporters to conduct the campaign without bitterness.

He stressed that the contest should not destroy the longstanding relationships among the candidates and their families.

“I also want to call on other contestants, our brothers, that there should be no bitterness in this campaign or election,” he said.

“We should approach this election as brothers because the three candidates are from the same family. They are from Urhuoka and they are Ihobe children.”

Kigho’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the election for the newly restored Abraka State Constituency, with major political parties and aspirants seeking the support of voters across the constituency.

While making a case for Ibani, the Achoja of Abraka maintained that his position was informed by what he considered the broader interest of the community rather than family ties.

Mo Media Headlines reports that the 2027 Abraka State Constituency contest is expected to generate significant political interest, given the emergence of multiple prominent sons of the community as contenders.