Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State as the affirmation of the confidence Nigerians have in the ability of the ruling party to extricate Nigeria from the current economic woes.

The APC governorship candidate, Usman Ododo emerged winner of the Kogi governorship election with 446,237 votes to beat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 259,052 votes to come second.

The win followed the earlier one in Imo State, where Governor Hope Uzodinma, also of the APC was declared the winner of Saturday’s election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Prince Abiodun, who is also he Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council For Kogi Governorship Election, said Ododo’s victory was the culmination of the successes recorded by the APC in the last eight years and the confidence reposed in the governor-elect.

Abiodun praised voters in Kogi State who trooped out en masse on Saturday to vote for Ododo, even as he acknowledged the resilience of Governor Yahya Bello in ensuring the electoral victory of the ruling party.

He reiterated the earlier pledge of President Tinubu to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe, saying that the resuscitation of the companies will scale up socio-economic activities of the state and Nigeria in general.

Abiodun said: “I congratulate Governor-elect Usman Ododo on his well-deserved victory as the newly elected Governor of Kogi State. This resounding success at the polls reflects the trust and confidence the people of Kogi have placed in you to lead them into a future of progress and prosperity.

“Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people have been evident throughout your political career. As you assume the mantle of leadership, I have no doubt that you will continue to serve Kogi State with utmost integrity, diligence, and passion.

“Your election victory not only signifies the triumph of democracy but also presents an opportunity for transformative change in Kogi State. I have tremendous faith in your ability to successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead and bring about positive growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development.

“Furthermore, I am confident that under your visionary leadership, Kogi State will witness a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and inclusive governance. Your administration will prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

I also congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Yahya Bello and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the successful conclusion of Saturday’s election.”

On Sunday, Abiodun said the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is a confirmation of the trust the citizens have in his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

INEC on Sunday declared Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the winner of Saturday’s governship election with wide margins.

Uzodinma scored 540,308 votes to beat other candidates in the election.

Prince Abiodun expressed delight that the resounding victory of Uzodinma attested to his leadership quality and delivery of the dividend of democracy to the people.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for the hitch-free Electoral process in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states on Saturday.

He said: On behalf of the people of Ogun State, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your re-election as the Governor of Imo State. Your resounding victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Imo State have in your ability to lead them towards progress and prosperity.

“We are delighted to see that your vision for Imo State has resonated with the people and that you have been given a renewed mandate to continue the good work that you have already begun. Your commitment to transforming Imo State into a modern, vibrant, and prosperous state is a shining example to other leaders across the country.

“As you embark on your second term in office, may your leadership continue to inspire and uplift the people of Imo State. We look forward to working with you to deepen the ties between our two great states and to create a brighter future for all our citizens.

“Congratulations once again, and best wishes for a successful tenure.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the ruling by the Supreme Court, which dismissed the petitions of the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a watershed and a moment of joy for all Nigerians.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday described the judgement as rooted in law, even as he praised the judiciary for standing by the truth at all times.

The governor said the victory is for all Nigerians, moreso as it came when President Tinubu’s policies aimed at lifting Nigeria out of her malaise were beginning to take shape.

He siad: “In confirmation of his victory as a true reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians who trooped out to exercise their franchise on February 25 this year, the Supreme Court, today, threw out the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), putting to rest eight months of contestation over the outcome of the poll.

“I congratulate Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of our great Party, and indeed all Nigerians on this great victory. This is a great moment for Nigeria, a watershed in our history, a moment of joy and pride for all of us.This is not just a victory for the President, it is a victory for the Nigerian State.

“I salute the judiciary for standing by the truth and giving a judgment that is rooted in the law, data and logic and overwhelming evidence. I salute the justices of the Appeal Court for giving a very solid, detailed and meticulous judgment that laid the foundation for today’s verdict by the Supreme Court, which is a well- thought out judgment that will further enrich our jurisprudence. I believe that this judgment will be seen worldwide as confirming with the global best practices in law.

“To be sure, this victory belongs to all Nigerians, including even the opposition parties which contested the outcome of the poll, because it affirms Nigeria’s irrevocable commitment to democracy and civil rule and further consolidates the entrenchment of the democratic ethos across the Nigerian landscape.

“Coming at a time the policies and programmes of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration are beginning to take shape to lift Nigerians out of the morass of despondency and despair, this victory is indeed a sweet one. It confirms the trust reposed by Nigerians in President Tinubu, the man made for a time like this when Nigerians yearn for radical change in their affairs.

“Like the President himself has said, I enjoin all Nigerians to unite as we collectively tackle the things that hold us together and reach for greater heights, firmly anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The All Progressives Congress (AP) is in confusion as its gubernatorial candidate in the Bayelsa election of November, Timipre Sylva, has been disqualified.

The disqualification came to the public attention as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released amended lists of governorship candidates on Tuesday, excluding Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver.

The disqualification stems from a Federal High Court ruling on October 10, which held that Sylva is not qualified to contest the election because he has already served two terms as state governor. The judge ruled that allowing Sylva to contest again would breach the 1999 constitution.

But the APC gubernatorial campaign council has urged its supporters not to be deterred by the disqualification and has said that the party is appealing the decision.