The Kogi State governor-elect, Usman Ododo, and his running mate, Joel Salifu, 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.
Shortly after being presented with his certificate, the newly elected governor gave a speech in which he pledged to uphold the state's unity while carrying out his campaign promise to build on Governor Yahaya Bello's outstanding accomplishments.
He thanked the State's citizens for their resounding support throughout the election, characterizing it as a consolidation of Kogi State's strength and cohesion.
Ododo declared, "My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programs of the present administration," while pledging to live up to the trust bestowed upon him. My commitment to giving our swarming youths jobs and making sure that education is our administration's top priority won't waver.
"Everyone wins when I win the election that was held on Saturday. Everyone will be supported in our all-inclusive administration, regardless of their political affiliation, religion, or tribe.
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 stated that Usman Ododo was receiving the certificate because he had complied with the provisions of the constitution.