Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has described the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections as a sign of progress in the state’s democratic process, urging political stakeholders to sustain the atmosphere throughout the exercise.
Ododo spoke shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, where he expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements and the atmosphere surrounding the election.
The governor said the peaceful exercise marked a departure from previous local government elections, which he noted were often associated with violence, tension and fear in some parts of the country.
He observed that the election had taken on a celebratory atmosphere, allowing residents to participate in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or violence.
“In the past, local government elections used to be bloody. But we thank God for the confidence we now have and the efforts to provide security for our people. You can see that local government elections are now just like a carnival,” he said.
Ododo stressed that security remained fundamental to democratic participation, economic activities and social interaction, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property across the state.
He urged residents to appreciate the efforts and resources required to maintain peace, noting that sustained cooperation between security agencies, the government and communities was necessary to prevent criminal activities.
The governor said the confidence with which residents and visitors moved around the state reflected the importance of maintaining a secure environment for citizens to conduct their daily activities.
On political opposition, Ododo maintained that differing political views were an essential feature of democracy but should be expressed through constructive engagement and a commitment to public service.
He challenged opposition parties to present their records of achievement and explain how their policies and political activities had contributed to the development of Kogi State and the welfare of its people.
The governor also said his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance rather than being distracted by controversies on social media.
Describing the election as peaceful, free and transparent, Ododo said he was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise and had left the remaining electoral processes in the hands of the officials responsible for their administration.
He called on political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to cooperate with electoral officials and security agencies to ensure that the exercise remained peaceful until its conclusion.
Ododo reiterated that credible elections and a secure environment were essential to strengthening grassroots governance, urging stakeholders to work together to consolidate democratic participation across Kogi State.
