Kogi LG polls: Ododo hails voter turnout, commends KSIEC

… backs Tinubu for second term

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has commended the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) for conducting free, fair and credible local government elections across the state on Saturday.

Speaking to journalists after voting at Ukpokoro/Odenku ward in Okene Local Government Area, Ododo attributed the large turnout of voters to the enabling environment created by his administration.

He said he was not surprised by the turnout, noting that residents had consistently backed his government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor also assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of victory in the forthcoming presidential election, saying Nigerians must give the President the support he needs to secure re-election.

“Mr President is doing well and we must support him for second term. He is doing his best and he needs everyone support. We can see what he is doing in the area of security. He is making sure that their is peace in the country and so we must support him

“The President must be given total and absolute support in the coming election.”

Election materials reportedly arrived at polling units early, as voters turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots.

The APC chairmanship candidate, Mr Ezekiel Sunday Osiako, described the exercise as orderly and peaceful after voting at Oshobane Ward in Ogori. He thanked voters for turning out in large numbers and commended Ododo and the commission for providing what he called a level playing field for all candidates. He urged voters to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the exercise.

The Technical Assistant to the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr Ebenezer Adurodija, who voted at Eni Ward, praised the governor and the commission for what he described as a seamless exercise. He said the early arrival of officials and materials at polling units showed adequate preparation by the electoral body.

In Gegu, Kogi Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Abubakar Bashir Gegu, said he was confident that APC candidates would win the elections. He spoke after voting at his polling unit and described the heavy turnout as a sign of public support for the ruling party.

“The massive turnout has shown that the APC will win the forthcoming elections. I am confident that all our candidates will emerge victorious,” he said.

Gegu commended President Tinubu for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Lokoja road, which he said was abandoned by the previous administration. He said residents of the local government area appreciated the federal government’s intervention, describing the road as vital to commuters and businesses that depend on the route.

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He also praised Ododo for paying workers’ salaries promptly and for his development initiatives across the state, adding that the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare and infrastructure had boosted the APC’s support among residents.

On security, the commissioner stressed the need to maintain peace and order before, during and after the elections, and urged voters and political stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies.

He also called on candidates contesting against the APC to show sportsmanship and accept the outcome of the polls.

“Only one candidate will emerge as the winner. I appeal to all contestants to conduct themselves peacefully and demonstrate sportsmanship before, during and after the election,” he said.

Gegu further urged residents to carry out their civic responsibilities peacefully and avoid actions that could disrupt the exercise.