In a jubilant ceremony at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, Governor-Elect Usman Ododo and his running mate, Joel Salifu, were presented with certificates of return on Friday.
The event marked the official recognition of their victory in the off-season governorship election held on November 11.
Usman Ododo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a decisive triumph by amassing 446,237 votes, leaving Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in second place with 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, garnered 46,362 votes.
Addressing the crowd of jubilant supporters, Governor-Elect Ododo pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing Governor Yahaya Bello and emphasized his commitment to preserving the unity of Kogi State.
He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the polls, characterizing it as a testament to the strength and unity of the state.
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While promising to justify the confidence reposed in him, Ododo said:
“My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programs of the present administration. My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged.
“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all inclusive administration, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.”
Governor Yahaya Bello, present at the ceremony, urged the people of Kogi State to unite and collaborate with Ododo in the task of building a greater Kogi.
”The election has come and gone and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved,” he said.
The presentation of the certificates of return was witnessed by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters who gathered at the INEC headquarters.
Gabriel Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Kogi State, stated that the certificate presentation was in line with the commission’s mandate, confirming that Usman Ododo met all constitutional requirements for the recognition.
