INEC Declares Ahmed Usman Ododo winner of Kogi Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the Kogi State Off-Cycle Governorship Election which took place on Saturday.

INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Johnson Urama who announced the result after collation of election results from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state on Sunday night in Lokoja said Ododo won by polling a total number of 446,237 votes.

The Returning Officer said that the APC Governorship candidate defeated his closest rival, Muritala Yakubu AJAKA of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who scored 259,052 votes.

Johnson O. Urama, a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), said that Senator Dino Melaye of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) trailed behind the duo with 46,362 votes.

Prof. Urama said that the Ahmed Usman Ododo having scored the highest number of valid votes cast in the election and “having satisfied the mandate of the law is hereby declared winner of the Kogi State governorship election and returned elected.”

Reacting to the announcement, a triumphant Governor Yahaya Bello flanked by the governor-elect and many of his aides and appointees, expressed appreciation to the Almighty God for the victory.

He said that whatever has a beginning must surely have an end , adding that he administration was gradually grinding down but was happy to have a worthy successor.

Bello thanked all the people that made it possible and commended his media team led by Dr Yemi Kolapo as well as the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo among many others. 

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN) Dr Lawal Muhammed Omuya

has congratulated the Governor elect Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo for his election victory on Sunday.

In statement issued to journalists on Monday, Dr Omuya described Ododo as the golden fish and people's choice who will consolidate on the achievement of the incumbent Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

According to the statement, the tenure of the Governor elect will bring about transformative change, unity and remarkable development to the people of Kogi State.

The statement reads in part "I Dr Lawal Muhammed Omuya and the entire members of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kogi state chapter, extend heartfelt congratulations to you on your well-deserved victory as the Governor-elect of Kogi State.

"Your leadership qualities, dedication, and vision for a prosperous Kogi State have resonated with the people, leading to this significant achievement. We believe that your tenure will bring positive and transformative changes to the state, and we look forward to witnessing the progress under your capable leadership.

"May your term be marked by success, unity, and progress, benefiting the people of Kogi State and contributing to the overall development of our great nation. Your victory is a victory to the common man and an eye opener.

"Once again, congratulations on this momentous occasion. Wishing you a successful and impactful tenure".

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