The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented certificates of return to the Kogi Governor-elect Usman Ododo and his deputy, Joel Salifu.

Messrs Ododo and Salifu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) won the November 11 off-cycle governorship election in Kogi with 446,237 votes to beat their closest rivals, Murtala Ajaka and Sam Ranti-Abenemi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that garnered 259,052 votes.

The certificates of return were presented to the duo at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday, amid jubilation by party members and supporters.

Sani Adam (SAN), the national electoral commissioner for Kwara, Niger and Kogi, who presented the certificates to them, congratulated them for emerging victorious in the governorship election.

Presenting the certificate, the Kogi State resident electoral commissioner, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the commission’s mandate.

Shortly after receiving his certificate, Mr Ododo promised the people of Kogi that he would make good his campaign promises to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello.

The governor-elect thanked the people of the state for the overwhelming support given to him during the election.

Mr Ododo described the overwhelming support he enjoyed as a sheer consolidation of the strength and unity of the Kogi.

“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all-inclusive administration where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.

“My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged, ” he said.

(NAN)