- Ododo says the vote contrasts with violent polls of the past, challenges opposition to show its record
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Saturday described local government elections in the state as peaceful, free and transparent, and credited President Bola Tinubu with providing the security that made that possible.
Ododo spoke after voting at his polling unit in Upogoro. He said the exercise had taken on a celebratory mood, in contrast to the tension, fear and destruction that he said had marked local government polls in parts of Nigeria in the past.
“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,” Ododo said. “You can see that Local Government elections are now just like a carnival.”
The governor said the calm showed how security underpins democracy by giving citizens the confidence to vote without fear. He said the state government would keep protecting lives and property with federal support.
He urged Nigerians to recognise the resources and sacrifices needed to sustain security, saying the relative peace in Kogi was the result of ongoing efforts against criminal elements. The ease with which residents and visitors now move around the state, he said, reflects the importance of security to economic activity, social life and political participation.
Ododo, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said opposition was an essential part of democracy but should come with constructive engagement and a demonstrated commitment to public service. He challenged opposition parties to present their records and explain how their platforms had contributed to the state’s development and the welfare of its people.
He credited the APC’s leadership, including Tinubu, with supporting Kogi’s development and security goals.
The governor said his administration would not be distracted by social media controversies and that his priority was good governance and the safety and well-being of residents.
After casting his vote, Ododo said, he left the process to election officials. He called on political stakeholders and residents to cooperate to keep the peace through the rest of the exercise.
