In a commendatory gesture, President Bola Tinubu expressed his congratulations on Monday to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Governor-elect Usman Ododo of Kogi State for their triumph in the November 11 governorship elections. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing governance over partisan politics, the President’s statement highlighted the commendable participation of the electorate in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa.
Details of the Election Results:
- Imo State: Uzodimma secured victory with 540,308 votes, surpassing the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Samuel Anyanwu and the Labour Party’s Athan Achonu.
- Kogi State: Ododo emerged victorious with 446,237 votes, defeating contenders from the Social Democratic Party and the PDP.
- Bayelsa State: Incumbent governor Diri secured 175,196 votes, outshining the All Progressives Congress candidate Timipre Sylva.
President Tinubu urged the newly elected officials to lead with a focus on close collaboration and pan-Nigerian developmental achievements. He underscored the significance of compassionate leadership and commitment to national unity.
Highlighting the resilience of democratic institutions and the role of voters, Tinubu stated that democracy thrives when voters reward competence, transparency, and good governance. The President expressed gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for creating a level playing field and commended the security agencies for maintaining law and order during the elections.
Anticipating a renewed sense of hope for the people of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, President Tinubu called for a consolidation of progress to position the states as hubs of peace, commerce, entrepreneurship, and prosperity. He urged the victors to prioritize the common good over partisan interests, fostering a harmonious and inclusive political landscape in the three states.
In conclusion, President Tinubu extended his appreciation to INEC for its commitment to electoral system sanitization and urged the commission to sustain efforts aimed at enhancing the credibility of future elections.