INEC gives certificates of return to Kogi governor-elect, Usman Ododo, deputy
By Matthew Atungwu
Usman Ododo, the newly elected governor of Kogi, and Joel Salifu, his deputy, received certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday.
The All Progressive Congress (APC)’s Ododo and Salifu defeated the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) Sam Ranti-Abenemi and Murtala Ajaka, who each received 259,052 votes, to win Kogi’s Nov. 11 off-cycle governorship election with 446,237 votes.
In the midst of celebration from party members and supporters, the certificates of return were given to the pair on Friday at the INEC offices in Lokoja, the state capital.
The National Electoral Commissioner for Kwara, Niger, and Kogi, Mr. Sani Adam (SAN), congratulated them on winning the governorship race as he gave them their certificates.
The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC, Gabriel Longpet, presented the certificate and explained that it was a requirement of the Commission.
According to Sani, Ododo and Salifu were given the certificate just because they complied with the constitution’s provisions.
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Soon after being awarded his certificate, Ododo assured the Kogi people that he would follow through on his campaign pledges to expand on Governor Yahaya Bello’s outstanding accomplishments.
The state’s electorate was overwhelmingly supportive of the governor-elect, who expressed gratitude to them for their support.
Ododo regarded the resounding backing he received as a simple consolidation of the Kogi people’s power and cohesion.
“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.
“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, ” he said.
