Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has commended the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Kogi East and urged residents to sustain the prevailing unity ahead of subsequent elections in the state.

Mr Ododo made the call on Sunday in Lokoja during an interactive session with stakeholders, youths and political leaders from Kogi East.

The governor described the conduct of party faithful and residents during the primaries as an unprecedented display of political maturity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the peaceful atmosphere reflected the growing stability within the APC and the willingness of the people to place collective interest above personal ambitions.

He stated, “What happened yesterday showed maturity, togetherness, sincere love and understanding among our people.

“Election, whether primary or general election, has never been this peaceful and crisis-free in our state. We must appreciate ourselves for setting this example.”

Mr Ododo said the peaceful electoral process was a continuation of the template established during previous rerun elections in the state.

He assured that his administration would continue to strengthen internal democracy, unity and dialogue among party members.

“We have laid this foundation in the last rerun election, and that is what we are building on today.

“I have no doubt that we will continue to work together as one family. The whole world can now see that Kogi East is united,” he said.

The governor urged aspirants and their supporters to accept the outcome of the party primaries in good faith, noting that losing an election should not be seen as political rejection.

“Those who did not emerge yesterday should not feel excluded. It does not mean they are not qualified or not part of Kogi East.

 “It simply means that God is still working. We must continue to support one another for the progress of our people,” he said.

Mr Ododo described the APC as a platform committed to infrastructural development, human capital advancement and inclusiveness across the state.

He also warned against divisive politics and external influences capable of disrupting the existing unity in Kogi East.

“We should not allow people from outside to come and create division among us.

“If we continue to work together sincerely, nobody will be able to take away what belongs to us,” he said.

Earlier, the state Deputy Governor,Joel Salifu, commended Mr Ododo for what he described as inclusive and people-oriented leadership.

Mr Salifu said the peaceful conduct of the APC primaries reflected the governor’s commitment to sportsmanship, fairness and internal democracy within the party.

 “We are here to appreciate you and assure you of our total support for the good work you are doing across every corner of the state.

“The peaceful primary election demonstrated your leadership style and commitment to peace within the party,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the support of Kogi East stakeholders for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Mr Ododo’s re-election bid, assuring them of overwhelming votes from the district in future elections.

Also speaking, the State Auditor-General, Yakubu Okala, commended the people of Kogi East for their loyalty and support for the present administration.

Mr Okala said that the conduct of party members during the APC primaries demonstrated unity and collective commitment to the progress of the state.

 “The people of Kogi East have shown that they can work together as one body. Their conduct during the primaries was commendable and worthy of appreciation,” he said. 

(NAN)