Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has praised the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary elections in Kogi East, urging residents and party members to sustain the unity and harmony ahead of the senatorial primaries and future elections in the state.
Governor Ododo made the call during an interactive meeting with stakeholders, youths and political leaders from Kogi East held on Sunday at the Government House, Lokoja.
The governor described the conduct of the primaries as a clear demonstration of political maturity, understanding and peaceful coexistence among party members and supporters across the district.
According to him, the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the exercise reflected the growing stability within the APC and the willingness of the people to place the collective interest of the state above personal ambitions.
“What happened yesterday showed maturity, togetherness, sincere love and understanding among our people. Election, whether primary or general election, has never been this peaceful and crisis-free in our state. We must appreciate ourselves for setting this example,” Ododo stated.
He noted that the current peace being enjoyed within the party was built on the foundation laid during previous rerun elections in the state, assuring that his administration would continue to promote unity, dialogue and internal democracy within the APC.
“We have laid this foundation in the last rerun election, and that is what we are building on today. I have no doubt that we will continue to work together as one family. The whole world can now see that Kogi East is united,” he added.
Governor Ododo also appealed to aspirants who did not emerge victorious in the primaries to accept the outcome in good faith, stressing that electoral defeat should not be interpreted as rejection.
“Those who did not emerge yesterday should not feel excluded. It does not mean they are not qualified or not part of Kogi East. It simply means that God is still working. We must continue to support one another for the progress of our people,” he said.
The governor further described the APC as a platform committed to infrastructural development, human capital growth and inclusiveness across the state.
He warned against divisive politics and external influences capable of disrupting the unity currently existing in Kogi East.
“We should not allow people from outside to come and create division among us. If we continue to work together sincerely, nobody will be able to take away what belongs to us,” he warned.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Joel Salifu Oyinbo, commended Governor Ododo for what he described as inclusive and people-oriented leadership.
Oyinbo said the peaceful conduct of the APC primaries reflected the governor’s commitment to fairness, sportsmanship and internal democracy within the ruling party.
“We are here to appreciate you and assure you of our total support for the good work you are doing across every corner of the state. The peaceful primary election demonstrated your leadership style and commitment to peace within the party,” he said.
The deputy governor also reaffirmed the support of Kogi East stakeholders for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo’s re-election ambition ahead of future elections.
Also speaking, the State Auditor-General, Yakubu Okala, commended the people of Kogi East for their loyalty and support for the administration, noting that their conduct during the primaries reflected unity and collective commitment to the development of the state.
Other stakeholders, including Nicholas Ugbane, Dan Okolo and Memuna Audu, also praised Governor Ododo’s leadership style and pledged to sustain peace and mobilize support for the APC in subsequent elections.
