The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun presented Certificates of Return on Thursday to Governor Dapo Abiodun and his deputy, Noimot Salako‑Oyedele, who emerged victorious in the governorship election held on 18 March. The ceremony, held at the media centre within INEC headquarters in Abeokuta, also saw 25 newly elected House of Assembly members receive their certificates. Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner for Ogun, Osun and Ondo States, presented the certificates to the governor and his deputy. Governor Abiodun secured 276,298 votes, defeating his closest rival, PDP candidate Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, who obtained 262,383 votes.
The Ogun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Niyi Ijalaye, handed certificates to the 25 elected members of the House of Assembly, except for the Ifo State Constituency 1 seat, which remains pending due to a scheduled rerun election in one polling unit slated for April. Ijalaye emphasized that the ceremony was constitutional and mandated by the Electoral Act, stating, “The election has been concluded and the winners are here, and the law enjoins us to present to each and every one of them certificates of return.”
During the presentation, Prof. Ajayi praised the peaceful conduct of the poll and highlighted the use of new technologies such as BVAS and IRev, which enhanced the credibility of the process. He noted that INEC had taken valuable lessons from the election that would improve future contests. Ajayi explained that the issuance of certificates is statutory under section 72 of the Constitution, which requires INEC to issue them within 14 days of an election. He urged the governor and other certificate recipients to remain committed to serving humanity in their respective roles. “INEC, as an electoral umpire under the chairmanship of Mahmood Yakub, will remain consistent in achieving our vision to be one of the best election management bodies in the world. The commission is aiming to attain our core mandate of independence, impartiality, and transparency,” he said.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, described his victory as an opportunity to extend the dividends of democracy throughout the state. He lauded President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) for creating an enabling environment that ensured free, fair, and transparent elections, noting that thousands of voters turned out to exercise their franchise. “This election proclaims a renewed dedication to the vision of this administration. It is a call for new hope for Ogun and the entire nation of Nigeria,” he said. Abiodun affirmed that his government would continue to implement people‑oriented programs and urged citizens to collaborate with the administration to build the state’s future together.
Dignitaries at the event included former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, APC State Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, and others.
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