In a momentous event at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, Usman Ododo, Governor-Elect, and his running mate, Joel Salifu, were presented with certificates of return on Friday. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate secured a decisive win in the November 11 off-season governorship election, polling 446,237 votes against his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party.
Amidst jubilation from supporters, Ododo reassured the people of Kogi of his commitment to building on the accomplishments of Governor Yahaya Bello while maintaining the state’s unity. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, vowing to sustain youth and women empowerment programs and prioritize employment and education.
The certificate presentation, witnessed by Governor Yahaya Bello, prompted a call for unity from the outgoing governor. Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, highlighted that Ododo met constitutional requirements for the certificate. The Governor-Elect pledged an all-inclusive administration, promising to carry everyone along regardless of background.