All Progressives Congress (APC) has retained control of two states in the weekend’s off-cycle governorship elections.
The result of the third state is expected to be declared today.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was declared the winner. He won in all the 27 local government areas (LGAs) to record a landslide victory.
In Kogi State, Usman Ododo fought a hard battle to defeat his closest rival Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Ododo won in 12 LGAs out of 21.
Ajaka won eight and African Democratic Party (ADC) candidate Leke Abejide won one.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Dino Melaye did not win in any LGA.
In Bayelsa, Governor Duoye Diri is comfortably ahead with results from six of the eight LGAs declared yesterday. He won in five.
The remaining two will be declared today and the winner announced.
Some of those who lost in Imo and Kogi immediately rejected the results.
Apart from Ajaka, Melaye, who declined to vote in the election, called for the cancellation of the results over alleged irregularities.
Athan Achonu, the Labour Party (LP) candidate who came third in Imo, said he would challenge the outcome at the tribunal.
Uzodimma was declared the winner after polling 540,308 votes.
Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP got 71,503 votes, and Achonu polled 64,081 votes.
A new chapter opened in the history of Kogi as Ododo clinched the coveted seat with 446,237 to defeat Ajaka, who scored 259,052.
Abejide scored 21,819 votes and Melaye polled 46,362 votes.
Chief Returning Officer for Kogi Poll, Prof. Johnson Urama, said the total valid votes were 782,289, rejected votes were 9,601 and total votes cast were 791,890.
He explained that there would be no need for a fresh election in the nine wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government in Kogi Central Senatorial District because the margin of lead is far above the number of PVCs collected in the area which he put at 16,247.
A call by the agent of the SDP, Mr Ehimony David, that the collation be suspended to allow INEC to review irregularities allegedly observed in some parts of Kogi Central was rejected.
“They do not affect the results significantly,” Prof. Urama said.
A cursory look at the result showed that APC’s Ododo won 12 out of the 21 LGAs.
The LGAs are Ijumu, Okene, Yagba West, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Mopa/Moro, Okehi, Bassa, Kabba/Bunnu, Kogi Koto-Karfe and Lokoja.
Jubilation in Owerri
There was jubilation in Owerri, the capital of Imo and other towns and villages yesterday, following Uzodimma’s victory.
Owerri Metropolis erupted in excitement as INEC Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared him the winner at about 10.20 am.
Many party supporters and indigenes stormed the Government House to rejoice with the governor.
At the INEC office along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, APC supporters danced through the streets, clutching the party flags and brooms, chanting victory songs.
They were joined by other excited supporters who stormed the area in convoys and marched from Port Harcourt Road through Bank Road, to Wetheral Road, Douglas and Okigwe roads
A shop owner at the IMSU Junction, Darlington Opara, said he had expected the governor’s victory because of his boldness in tackling the challenges facing the state, particularly insecurity and infrastructure.
He said,
“I had always known that he would win. First, I voted for him because of his boldness in tackling insecurity. Imo would have been overrun by hoodlums.
“So, I congratulate him and wish that he would focus on bringing Imo back to the good old days.”
Uzodimma, who spoke at the Government House Chapel after Mass, said his reelection had vindicated him as the real winner of the 2019 poll.
The governor thanked God and those who contributed to his victory, adding that the feat would spur him to more action in the service of Imo.
Uzodimma said,
“First, I thank the God Almighty for the victory and His goodness to all Imo citizens and for answering our prayers. Once you are with God, you fear not.”
The governor thanked APC leaders and supporters for their extraordinary commitment before, during and after the election.
Uzodimma thanked the state leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) for their resilience and for standing firm in the face of intimidation and resolve to undermine his government.
He also thanked the National Campaign Council, led by the Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, the Imo State APC Chairman, Macdonald Ebere, and other stalwarts who worked for the victory.
He also thanked the civil servants for their support and show of love, assuring them that he would reciprocate their gesture.
Uzodimma expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and the State Council of Elders for their commitment to a united Imo State.
He thanked the sole administrators of the 27 local government areas, saying that they made it possible for him to win.
Uzodimma noted that it was the first time such a thing would happen in the history of the state.
The governor commended the resilience of INEC, saying that its officials refused to be blackmailed.
He said the electoral officers stood firm and did their job according to the law.
Uzodimma also thanked the security agencies, who exhibited a high level of professionalism by ensuring proper coordination and synergy among themselves.
He thanked his wife, Chioma, for her invaluable support, assuring everyone that he would do his best to be like the legendary former Imo governor, the late Sam Mbakwe.
He said,
“My heart is full of joy and I am grateful to all. My good people of Imo State, I am humbled and honoured by your overwhelming support in yesterday’s (Saturday’s) election.
“Your trust in me to continue leading our dear state is both inspiring and deeply appreciated.
“Together, we have achieved a resounding victory and I am committed to delivering on the promises made during our campaign.
“As we embark on the next level of ‘Shared Prosperity,’ rest assured that your interests will remain at the forefront of my administration.
“I extend a hand to my fellow contenders from other parties, urging them to join me in a united effort to build and uplift our one and only dear state.
“In the spirit of inclusivity, we will operate a government that transcends political differences for the benefit of all.
“I express profound gratitude to every member of my team, our great party and every citizen of Imo for your unwavering support. Our State is progressing because of your collective efforts.
“I commend INEC and its officials for ensuring a fair and neutral electoral process.
“I also appreciate the dedication of the security agencies in maintaining peace during the exercise.
“A special thanks to the leader of our great party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his fatherly guidance throughout the electioneering period.
“Together, let us continue the journey towards a more prosperous and inclusive Imo.
“Thank you, Ndi Imo, for your trust and confidence. Our shared future is bright and I am committed to leading us to greater heights.”
