INEC Issues Certificate Of Return To Kogi Gov-elect, Ododo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a certificate of return to the Kogi state governor-elect,Usman Ododo, of the APC.
The certificate was presented on Friday, to Ododo and his running mate, Joel Salifu at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, by the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet.
Ododo was declared winner of the November 11, 2023 off-cycle governorship election in the state after polling 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 259,052 votes while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 46,362 votes.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate, the Governor-Elect assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build 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.
“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” Ododo stated.
The presentation of the certificates of return was witnessed by Governor Yahaya Bello.
”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,” Bello said.
