By Kamil Opeyemi
Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has attributed the peaceful conduct of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State to the acceptability of the party’s candidate, Usman Ododo, among the people.
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress said this while receiving the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, and the Governor-Elect, Ododo, at his Abuja residence on Thursday.
Baba Akande commended Governor Yahaya Bello for overseeing the election, widely adjudged peaceful, and urged the governor-elect to stay true to his promises and commitment to the vehicle that conveyed him into office.
Governor Yahaya Bello, while speaking during the visit, assured citizens and party stakeholders that the state’s governor-elect, Usman Ododo, would fulfill his campaign promises to the people with increased development in the state.
He also emphasised Ododo’s commitment to delivering on electoral pledges.
Governor Bello acknowledged the significant roles played by Baba Akande before, during, and after the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, where Ododo emerged as governor-elect.
Bello highlighted the peaceful, free and fair election, attested by both local and foreign observers and reiterated his unwavering trust in Ododo, citing his critical role as the former Auditor-General of Local Government, which provided insights into the grassroots’ needs.
Bello confidently anticipated that Ododo would fulfill the promises of good governance and deliver democracy dividends to the people.
He said, “Your Excellency, remember when we were looking for ticket for our candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, we came to you for your wise counsel and support. You gave everything to us.
“We have won that election, which is adjudged to be the most peaceful, freest and fairest election in recent times by both foreign and local observers. Ododo is someone I have so much trust in to deliver good governance to the people of our dear state. He had served in a very critical area of my administration, that is as Auditor-General for Local Governments.
“He feels the pulse of the people at the local government level and I am very confident that he will fulfill his promises of good governance and democracy dividends to our people. Today, we are here to thank you and to further seek your kind guidance and prayers.”
Ododo expressed gratitude to Baba Akande for his support and prayed for long life for the respected APC leader.
He commended Akande for his visionary leadership and uncommon wisdom in founding and nurturing the APC, now the largest political party in Africa and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling electioneering promises for the people of Kogi State.