The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has awarded certificates of return to Kogi State Governor-elect Usman Ododo and Deputy Governor-elect Joel Salifu.

The presentation took place at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday, with a large crowd of supporters celebrating the victory.

Usman Ododo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured victory in the off-season governorship election held on November 11 in Kogi State.

He garnered 446,237 votes, defeating Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with 259,052 votes, and Senator Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 46,362 votes.

After receiving his certificate, Governor-elect Ododo pledged to fulfill his campaign promises, building on the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving state unity.

He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and emphasized his commitment to sustaining youth and women empowerment programs, providing employment opportunities for youths, and prioritizing education.

Governor Yahaya Bello, present at the ceremony, urged the people of the state to collaborate with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.

The certificates were presented by Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner Gabriel Longpet, highlighting that Ododo met all constitutional requirements for the issuance.

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