The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday issued a Certificate of Return to Kogi State Governor-Elect, Mr Yahaya Bello.
While presenting the certificate of return at the INEC office in Lokoja the INEC National Commissioner from the North Central, Prof. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine, scored the commission high in the conduct and the declaration of the election result.
She said the use of the card readers in the conduct of elections in Nigeria has come to stay, noting that it has helped in eliminating illegal and multiple voting and enhanced integrity of electoral process.
However, she said the commission will continue to respond swiftly to the challenges emanating from the introduction of card readers.
The State Resident Electoral Commission, Mr Halilu Pai, while commending security agencies for a work well done during and after the election said the commission has conducted a free fair and credible election.
In his acceptance speech, the Governor-Elect, Yahaya Bello, lauded the electorate for believing in him and the APC, promising to lead the state towards a new direction.
Mr Bello, who is substitute to late Mr Abubakar Audu, defeated the incumbent, Captain Idris Wada, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was seeking a second term in office.
Declaring the results of the election, which was concluded, with a supplementary election held on December 5, the Returning Officer of the electoral body, Professor Emmanuel Kucha, said the APC’s candidate polled 247,752 to defeat Captain Wada who got 204,877 votes.
Mr James Faleke, who was offered the Deputy Governor position, however, failed to show up.
