The Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday presented certificates of return to the governors-elect of Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states.
In Kogi, Usman Ododo and his deputy, Joel Salifu, were presented the certificates at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, amid jubilation by supporters.
Ododo of the All Progressives Congress won the November 11 off-season election with 446,237 votes to defeat Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party who came second with 259,052 votes.
In Imo, the certificate was presented to the governor in Owerri by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sylvia Agu.
INEC had declared Uzodinma winner of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in the state after polling the highest number of votes.
INEC also presented the Certificate Of Return to Bayelsa State governor Senator Douye Diri, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
A statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the INEC national commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, presented the certificate to the duo at 11:11am at the state headquarters of the commission in Yenagoa.
Governor Diri said the event put to rest the speculation that INEC would not present the certificate to him just as he commended the commission for its professionalism and impartiality during and after the election.
