Ododo Votes in Kogi LG Elections, Commends Peaceful Conduct

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has commended the peaceful conduct of the ongoing local government elections across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Ododo spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene, where he expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere surrounding the exercise.

The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen security and create an environment for democratic participation.

He described the peaceful atmosphere as a departure from previous local government elections in parts of the country that were marked by violence, fear and destruction.

Ododo said improved security had enabled residents to participate in the electoral process with greater confidence, adding that peace was essential to economic activities, social interaction and grassroots governance.

He maintained that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property, with support from the Federal Government, while urging residents to recognise the efforts and resources required to sustain security across the state.

The governor also said his administration would remain focused on governance and the welfare of residents rather than being distracted by controversies on social media.

He described the election as peaceful, free and transparent, while stressing that political opposition remained an important part of democracy and should be expressed through constructive engagement and a commitment to public service.

Ododo challenged opposition parties to present their records and explain how their policies and activities had contributed to the development of Kogi State and the well-being of its people.

After voting, the governor said he had left the electoral process in the hands of election officials, expressing hope that the calm would continue throughout the exercise.

He called on political stakeholders and residents to cooperate in maintaining peace, stressing that security and credible elections were important to the development of democratic institutions and local government administration.