The winner of the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has been sworn in as the Kogi State Governor.
Ododo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, took his oath of office as the state governor in Lokoja, the state capital on Saturday, following his November 11, 2023 victory.
The new governor took over from his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, whose second term in office has elapsed.
With his swearing-in, Ododo becomes the 5th Executive Governor of the state.
Ododo took the oath of office at exactly 2.30 p.m. administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Majebi.
His deputy, Salifu Oyibo, also took his oath of office.
Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who garnered 259,052, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party pulled 46,362 votes.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ododo assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving the unity of the state.
Ododo appreciated his predecessor, Bello, for putting him through the path of governance, as he promised not to disappoint the people of the state.
The new governor presented an award of service – Grand Conference Silver Service Star, to Bello.
The ceremony was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja in a colourful ceremony graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC Chairman, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje.
