RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the peaceful atmosphere surrounding Saturday’s local government elections across the state’s 21 local government areas, describing the exercise as a positive development for grassroots democracy.
The governor spoke after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene Local Government Area, where he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the electoral process and the security arrangements put in place.
Ododo said the atmosphere at the polling unit reflected improvements in security and public confidence in the electoral process.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the Federal Government’s support in strengthening security and creating an environment in which democratic activities could take place without widespread fear or intimidation.
ODODO PRAISES SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS
Speaking shortly after voting, the governor compared the atmosphere surrounding the election with previous local government polls, which he said had sometimes been affected by violence.
According to him, improved security arrangements have helped residents participate in the electoral process more confidently.
“In the past, local government elections used to be bloody. But we thank Mr President for giving us that confidence and supporting us to provide security for our people. You can see that local government elections are now just like a carnival,” Ododo said.
The governor described the atmosphere he observed as peaceful and orderly, expressing optimism that the exercise would continue without major disruptions.
He maintained that adequate security remains essential to credible elections, public participation and the overall development of democratic institutions.
Ododo also commended security personnel and other stakeholders involved in maintaining order during the exercise.
His assessment, however, represents the governor’s observations and does not independently establish the conduct of voting at every polling unit across the state.
GOVERNOR CREDITS TINUBU FOR SUPPORTING SECURITY
Ododo attributed the relative calm surrounding the election to what he described as cooperation between the state government and the Federal Government in addressing security challenges.
He said President Tinubu’s administration had provided support that strengthened confidence in the state’s security arrangements.
According to the governor, protecting lives and property requires sustained investment, coordination and commitment from government institutions.
He urged residents to appreciate the resources and sacrifices involved in maintaining peace and stability.
Ododo further argued that improved security creates opportunities for economic activities, social interaction and democratic participation.
He maintained that his administration would continue working with relevant federal agencies to protect communities and sustain the progress recorded in addressing insecurity.
ODODO CHALLENGES OPPOSITION PARTIES ON GOVERNANCE
The governor also addressed political opposition in the state, urging parties and political actors to focus on constructive engagement and development-oriented criticism.
He acknowledged that opposition parties have an important role in a democratic society but argued that political disagreements should be accompanied by practical ideas for improving governance.
Ododo challenged opposition figures to present their records of public service and explain how their policies and activities had contributed to the development of Kogi State.
He said his administration would remain focused on delivering projects, improving public welfare and fulfilling its responsibilities rather than becoming distracted by political controversies on social media.
The governor maintained that residents were more interested in tangible improvements in their communities than prolonged political disputes.
He also expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), commending the party’s leadership at the state and national levels.
GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT
Ododo said local government elections remain an important part of Nigeria’s democratic system because they provide residents with an opportunity to choose representatives responsible for administration and development at the grassroots.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening governance at the local government level, where many communities depend on public authorities for essential services and infrastructure.
The governor said his administration would continue prioritising policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents and promoting development across the state’s 21 local government areas.
He expressed hope that the election would produce leaders committed to public service and responsive governance.
CALLS FOR PEACEFUL CONCLUSION OF POLLS
After casting his ballot, Ododo said he had left the remaining electoral procedures to the officials responsible for conducting the exercise.
He expressed confidence that the peaceful atmosphere observed during his visit to the polling unit would continue until voting and other electoral activities were concluded.
The governor urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to cooperate with election officials and security agencies.
He also appealed to stakeholders to avoid actions capable of disrupting the exercise or creating unnecessary tension.
While describing the voting atmosphere positively, Ododo stressed that maintaining peace throughout the process was a collective responsibility.
The election is being conducted across Kogi State’s 21 local government areas to determine leadership at the grassroots level.
The overall credibility of the exercise will depend on the conduct of voting, collation, declaration of results and the resolution of any complaints arising from the process.
As voting continues, attention remains focused on the performance of election officials, security arrangements and the participation of residents across the state.
Ododo expressed hope that the exercise would conclude peacefully and contribute to stronger democratic governance in Kogi State.
