The All Progressives Congress chairman made these remarks on Thursday while hosting Kogi State Governor His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect Ododo at his home in Abuja.
Baba Akande congratulated Governor Yahaya Bello on presiding over an election that was largely deemed peaceful. He also advised the incoming governor to honor his campaign pledges and be faithful to the vehicle that carried him into office.
Speaking to the public and party supporters during the visit, Governor Yahaya Bello gave assurances that Usman Ododo, the next governor of the state, will keep his campaign promises to the people on greater development in the state.
He also emphasized Ododo's dedication to keeping his election-related promises.
Governor Bello recognized the important responsibilities that Baba Akande had played leading up to, during, and following Kogi State's November 11 governorship election, in which Ododo was declared the winner.
Bello emphasized the free, fair, and peaceful election that was witnessed by both domestic and international observers. He also reaffirmed his everlasting faith in Ododo, pointing to the latter's crucial position as the previous Auditor-General of Local Government, which gave him insight into the concerns of the grassroots.
Bello was sure that Ododo would follow through on his pledges of excellent government and give the people the rewards of democracy.
"Your Excellency, remember when we came to you for your wise counsel and support when we were looking for a ticket for our candidate for the Kogi State governorship election on November 11th?" he remarked. You offered us everything.
"We have won that election, which both global and local observers agree was the most calm, free, and fair election in recent memory. Ododo is someone I really believe will provide our beloved state's citizens with excellent governance. He had worked as the Auditor-General for Local Governments, a crucial position throughout my administration.
"As the local government representative, he is sensitive to the needs of the populace, and I have every confidence that he will deliver on his pledges to uphold democracy and provide good governance for our people. We are here now to express our gratitude and to ask for your continued prayers and wise counsel.
Ododo prayed for a long life for the revered APC leader Baba Akande and thanked him for his support.
He praised Akande for his visionary leadership and extraordinary insight in creating and growing the APC, which is currently Africa's greatest political party, and reaffirmed his pledge to keep his electioneering promises to the Kogi State people.