INEC presents certificates of return to Ododo, deputy

The governor-elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and his deputy, Joel Salifu, have received their certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The event took place on Friday at the INEC office in Lokoja, the state capital, where a huge crowd of supporters celebrated with them.

Ododo, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the off-season governorship election held on November 11 in Kogi State. He garnered 446,237 votes to beat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who got 259,052 votes. Senator Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came in third with 46,362 votes.

The governor-elect, after receiving his certificate, thanked the people for their massive support at the poll and promised to deliver on his campaign pledge to build on the remarkable achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while maintaining the unity of the state.

He said his victory was a testament to the strength and unity of Kogi State and vowed to justify the trust placed in him by the people. He said, “My administration will continue the youth and women’s empowerment programmes of the current administration. My commitment to create jobs for our youth and make education a priority of our administration remains firm.

“My win at the election last Saturday was a win for everyone. We will run a government that includes everyone, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.”

Governor Yahaya Bello, who was present at the event, urged the people of the state to cooperate with Ododo in building a better Kogi State.

“The election is over, and we have a winner. I appeal to the people of the state to work for the unity and harmony our administration has achieved,” he said.