BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, LOKOJA
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Ahmed Usman Ododo over his victory at the Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State.
Ododo, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress candidate, was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday night.
Ododo emerged winner of the Kogi governorship election with 446,237 votes to beat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party who polled 259,052 votes to come second.
The win followed the earlier one in Imo State, where Governor Hope Uzodinma, also of the APC, was declared the winner of Saturday’s election by the INEC.
Felicitatiing Ododo, Governor Abiodun said his victory affirmed the confidence Nigerians have in APC’s ability to extricate Nigeria from the current economic woes.
Abiodun, who is also the Chairman of APC National Campaign Council For Kogi Governorship Election, said Ododo’s victory was the culmination of the successes recorded by the APC in the last eight years and the confidence reposed in the Governor-elect.
The Ogun governor commended the voters in Kogi who trooped out en masse to vote for Ododo, even as he acknowledged the resilience of Governor Yahaya Bello in ensuring the electoral victory of the ruling party.
He reiterated the earlier pledge of President Tinubu to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe, saying that resuscitation of the companies will scale up socio-economic activities of the state and Nigeria in general.
Abiodun said, “I congratulate Governor-elect Usman Ododo on his well-deserved victory as the newly elected Governor of Kogi State. This resounding success at the polls reflects the trust and confidence the people of Kogi have placed in you to lead them into a future of progress and prosperity.
“Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people have been evident throughout your political career. As you assume the mantle of leadership, I have no doubt that you will continue to serve Kogi State with utmost integrity, diligence, and passion.
“Your election victory not only signifies the triumph of democracy but also presents an opportunity for transformative change in Kogi State. I have tremendous faith in your ability to successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead and bring about positive growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development.
“Furthermore, I am confident that under your visionary leadership, Kogi State will witness a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and inclusive governance. Your administration will prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
“I also congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Yahaya Bello and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the successful conclusion of Saturday’s election.”
Meanwhile, some residents of the Confluence State, on Monday took over the streets and celebrated Ododo’s victory.
The jubilant party loyalists danced on the roads of Natako area of Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Monday, while flinging the flags of the party.
They were seen dancing to the songs blaring from the boots of their motorcade.