Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun, on Thursday, presented Certificate of Return to Gov. Dapo Abiodun who emerged winner of the governorship election held on March 18.
The event which took place at INEC state headquarters in Abeokuta, also witnessed presentation of certificates of return to the Deputy Governor-elect, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele and House of Assembly members-elect.
The presentation of certificates was supervised by the National Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Osun and Ondo states, Prof. Kunle Ajayi.
Ajayi commended the people of the state for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the just-concluded general elections.
He noted that the general elections brought about high level of voters’ interests and engagements, particularly among the youth.
The national commissioner assured the people of the state and Nigerians in general that the lessons learnt during the elections would serve as a working document for subsequent elections.
He stated that INEC would build on the high level of credibility it achieved by deploying the use of technology in the electoral process.
Ajayi added that some of the technologies deployed included Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for registration, verification/authentication and uploading of election results.
“INEC, as an electoral umpire under the Chairmanship of Mahmood Yakub, will remain consistent in achieving our vision and aspiration to be one of the best election management bodies in the world.
“The commission is aiming at attaining our core mandate of independence, impartiality and transparency,” he said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun, Niyi Ijalaye, said that the event was in line with the constitution and the electoral act.
“Elections had been concluded and the winners are here, and the law enjoins us to present to each and every one of them certificates of return,” he said.
Abiodun, in his remarks, appreciated God for his victory, saying that it was an opportunity for him to continue to take dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the state.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his determination to provide enabling environment for free and fair election.
The governor noted that the election was free, fair and transparent, as people came out in their thousands to exercise their franchise.
“This election proclaimed a renew dedication to the vision of our administration. It is a call for a new hope to Ogun and the entire country,” he said.
Abiodun, who assured that his administration would continue to provide people-oriented programmes, urged the people of the state to join hands with his government in building the future of the state together.