Kogi: INEC presents certificates of return to Ododo, deputy

Usman Ododo, the newly elected governor of Kogi State, and Joel Salifu, his running partner, have received certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Massive cheers from the fans greeted the certificates of return when they were delivered on Friday at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital.

With 446,237 votes, Ododo of the All Progressives Congress defeated Social Democratic Party candidate Murtala Ajaka, who received 259,052 votes, to win Kogi State’s off-season governorship election on November 11. Ododo’s victory was decisive. The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Dino Melaye, received 46,362 votes.

Speaking soon after being awarded his certificate, the incoming governor gave the populace assurances that he will fulfill his pledge made during the campaign to expand on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving the unity of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the state for the overwhelming support he enjoyed at the polls, describing it as a consolidation of the strength and unity of the Kogi State.

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, who was there to witness the certificates of return, asked the people of the State to work alongside Ododo to expand Kogi State

“A winner has been declared after the election has come and gone. He continued, “I implore the people of the State to strive toward the harmony and cohesion our administration has attained.

The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC, Gabriel Longpet, presented the certificate and explained that it was a requirement of the Commission.

He claimed that after fulfilling the standards outlined in the constitution, Usman Ododo was receiving the certificate.