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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has attributed the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections in the state to the improved security architecture under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it has restored public confidence in grassroots democratic participation.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro his country home on Saturday, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere surrounding the exercise, describing it as a remarkable departure from the violence and tension that previously characterised local government elections.
He said the absolute calm across the state had transformed the exercise into a celebratory event, with voters participating without the fear, intimidation and destruction associated with past elections.
The governor commended Tinubu for supporting security efforts in Kogi, noting that the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity had helped create an environment conducive to democratic activities.
“In the past, Local Government elections used to be bloody. But we thank Mr President for giving us that confidence and supporting us to provide security for our people. You can see that Local Government elections are now just like a carnival,” Ododo said.
He maintained that the peaceful atmosphere underscored the importance of security in sustaining democracy, encouraging voter participation and promoting social and economic activities.
According to him, the confidence with which residents and visitors now move around the state reflects the impact of sustained efforts by the state and federal governments to confront criminal elements and protect lives and property.
Ododo urged Nigerians to recognise the resources and sacrifices required to maintain peace and security, stressing that the gains recorded must be protected through collective responsibility and continued cooperation among stakeholders.
On the electoral process, the governor described the exercise as peaceful, free and transparent, expressing optimism that the prevailing atmosphere would further strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots.
He also dismissed the distraction of social media controversies, insisting that his administration remained focused on delivering good governance, improving the welfare of residents and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The governor challenged opposition parties to demonstrate their commitment to the development of Kogi State by presenting their records of achievement and explaining how their policies and activities had improved the lives of the people.
He, however, acknowledged the importance of opposition in a democratic system, maintaining that political engagement should be anchored on constructive criticism, accountability and a genuine commitment to public service.
Ododo expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), commending the party’s leadership, particularly President Tinubu, for supporting the state’s development priorities and security initiatives.
He explained that after casting his ballot, he left the remaining electoral process to the officials responsible for conducting the election, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful environment at his polling unit.
The governor called on political parties, candidates, security agencies and residents to sustain the prevailing peace until the conclusion of the exercise, stressing that security and credible elections remained critical to strengthening democracy and effective grassroots governance in Kogi State.
Also speaking , Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Mamman Nda-Eri while assessing the exercise in some part of Lokoja expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
He commended the impressive voter turnout, security arrangements and growing public participation in the democratic process., assuring voters that their choices would be protected and duly reflected in the final outcome of the elections.
Nda-Eri, who described the turnout in polling units visited as impressive, said the commission had followed its electoral timetable and was determined to conclude the process in accordance with the law.
He dismissed allegations circulating on social media about the electoral process, saying some of the claims were being promoted by political parties that were not participating in the election because they had failed to meet the required conditions.
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