APC’s Ododo Floors Melaye, Ajaka To Emerge Winner Of Kogi Guber Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ahmed Ododo winner of the governorship election held on Saturday.

The Chief Returning Officer, Professor Johnson Ugamadu from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, while announcing the result said the total number of PVC collected is 16, 245 that was cancelled and does not in any way affect the total results.

He, therefore, declared the governorship candidate of the APC, Ododo of Saturday’s election, having scored a total vote of 446, 237.

His words, “Having satisfied the electoral law with the highest votes cast during the election is hereby declared the winner of the election.”

The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka came second scoring 259, 052 voted while Senator Dino Melaye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came third by scoring 46,362 votes

Recalled that INEC in a statement signed by National Commissioner & Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna on Sunday evening explained that the commission has received an update from the Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the State where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting

The statement reads “The most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA). We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward). Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAS.

“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. However, this decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.”

INEC, however, concluded by reiterating its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected.