Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Friday, presented certificates of return to the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and his running mate in the election, Joel Salifu.
Gatekeepers News reports that INEC presented the certificates of return at its headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital.
Ododo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the November 11 off-season governorship election in Kogi State won the election with a wide margin.
He polled 446,237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who came second with 259,052 votes, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party, scored 46,362 votes.
The Governor-Elect after receiving his certificate, assured the people that he would build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving the unity of the state.
Ododo 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.
While promising to justify the confidence reposed in him, Ododo said, “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.”
The presentation of the certificates of return was witnessed by Governor Yahaya Bello, who urged the people of the State to join hands with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.
Bello said, “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.”
The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet, while presenting the Certificate, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.
Longpet said Usman Ododo was being presented with the certificate, having met the constitutional requirements.
