Gov Ododo Casts Vote In Kogi LG Elections, Hails Peaceful Exercise

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described the conduct of the local government elections across the state as peaceful.

The governor gave the commendation shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene.

Describing the exercise as free and transparent, Ododo said the atmosphere marked a departure from the violence and tension that characterised previous local government elections.

He noted that improved security had boosted public confidence, allowing voters to participate in the democratic process without fear.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging political stakeholders and residents to sustain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the electoral process.

He also called on opposition parties to embrace constructive engagement and demonstrate their commitment to good governance and the development of the state.

While expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the election, Odod described the peaceful atmosphere as encouraging for democracy and grassroots governance.

“As you can see, I have come to vote for my party, APC. And I would like to speak on those that are making noise, those that are claiming they don’t know what Mr. President is doing; this is one of the examples.

“In the past, local government elections used to be bloody, but we thank Mr. President for giving us that confidence, for supporting us to provide security for our people,” he said.

“This is what we pray for. This is governance, and whoever that doesn’t know what Mr. President is doing, I am now telling you that in this country, Nigeria, once upon a time, when local government election was conducted in a bloody way, causing destruction.

“In this community, in this ward, one of our own, the late Yahaya Aliu, was killed and burnt to ashes. But we thank God today we are conducting that same local government election. This is what we call governance; this is what we call leadership,” the governor added.

He urged residents to cooperate with election officials and security agencies to ensure a peaceful conclusion of the exercise.