INEC Presents Certificate Of Return To Kogi Governor-Elect, Usman Ododo, Running Mate
By Abubakar S.H
The Independent National Electoral Commission has presented certificate of return to the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo and his Running Mate, Joel Salifu Oyibo.
The certificate of return were presented at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, on Friday, in the midst of thousands of supporters and mammoth crowd.
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress had won the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State with a wide margin, having polled 446,237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who came second with 259,052 votes. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dino Melaye scored 46,362 votes.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate of return, the Governor-Elect assured the people that he would fulfilled his electioneering promises made during his campaigns, promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello, assuring to continue to continue to ensure the unity of purpose in kogi state.
He however expressed appreciation to the people of the State for the overwhelming support he enjoyed at the polls, describing it as a consolidation on 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.
”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,” he said.
He also called on the Governorship candidates in all political parties to enschew politics of bitterness and rally round the winner, Ahmed Usman Ododo in the interest of continued unity and growth of kogi state.
Presenting the Certificate, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.
He said Usman Ododo was been presented the certificate, having met the constitutional requirements.
The federal INEC commissioner in charge of Kwara, kogi and Nassarawa, Alhaji Sanni Adam also said the Governor-elect had met the constitutional requirements and should be presented with the certificate of return.
