Usman Ododo, the winner of the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, has officially been sworn in as the state governor. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ododo took the oath of office in Lokoja, the state capital, on Saturday.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the transition from his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, whose second term in office has concluded. Usman Ododo, having secured victory on November 11, 2023, assumed the role as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State.
Administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Majebi, the oath of office took place at precisely 2:30 p.m. Usman Ododo’s deputy, Salifu Oyibo, also took the oath of office during the ceremony.
Ododo emerged victorious in the election with 446,237 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who secured 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party received 46,362 votes.
Following the presentation of his certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ododo reassured the people that he would fulfill his campaign promises, building on the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while prioritizing the unity of the state.
Expressing gratitude to his predecessor, Ododo presented an award of service, the Grand Conference Silver Service Star, to Yahaya Bello. The ceremony, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC Chairman Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje.
