The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented Certificates of Return to the recently elected Governors, further solidifying their mandates as leaders of their respective states.
The ceremony, marked by celebration and political dignitaries, was held at different locations, underlining the significance of these electoral victories.
Governor Hope Uzodimma – Imo State
In an impressive gathering at the Rockview Hotel Owerri, INEC presented Governor Hope Uzodimma with his Certificate of Return on Friday. Governor Uzodimma secured his reelection for a second term after emerging victorious in the Imo governorship election held on November 11, 2023.
The Imo governor, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrated his widespread appeal by amassing a staggering 540,308 votes, leaving his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailing with 71,503 votes. Notably, Uzodimma’s triumph extended across all 27 local government areas of the state, showcasing the resounding mandate he has received from the people of Imo.
The presentation ceremony was graced by numerous dignitaries, including prominent APC chieftains, who came to celebrate Governor Uzodimma’s resounding victory and the renewed mandate bestowed upon him by the people.
Governor Usman Ododo – Kogi State
Usman Ododo, the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, also received his Certificate of Return in a jubilant atmosphere at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital. Ododo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged as the winner of the November 11 off-season governorship election in Kogi State.
Ododo’s victory was marked by a significant margin, as he garnered an impressive 446,237 votes, defeating Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who came in second with 259,052 votes. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, secured 46,362 votes.
Governor Yahaya Bello, who attended the presentation ceremony, called on the people of Kogi State to unite and collaborate with Governor-Elect Ododo in the pursuit of building a greater Kogi State. Ododo, in his address, reiterated his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises and building on the successes of Governor Yahaya Bello while prioritizing the unity and progress of the state.
Governor Douye Diri – Bayelsa State
May Agbamuche-Mbu, the INEC national commissioner overseeing Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa, presided over the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Governor Douye Diri at the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre in the INEC state office, Yenagoa.
Governor Douye Diri, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially recognized for his election victory in Bayelsa State. The presentation ceremony underscored the democratic process that has cemented his leadership in the state.
In conclusion, these Certificate of Return presentations mark significant milestones in the democratic journey of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States.
The elected Governors, Hope Uzodimma, Usman Ododo, and Douye Diri, now have the formal backing of INEC, and their mandates have been affirmed by the people through the electoral process. The citizens of these states eagerly await the impact of their leadership on the future prosperity and development of their respective regions.
