The Kogi State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Abdulazeez Idris King, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing an enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded local government council elections across the state.
King, who spoke while assessing the exercise, praised the governor for creating the atmosphere necessary for voters to exercise their civic responsibilities, describing the peaceful conduct of elections as an important factor in strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots.
He also lauded the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for conducting the most free and fair elections across the 21 local government areas, commending the commission for its role in organising the exercise.
The Coordinator Renewed Hope Ambassador, noted that the conduct of local government elections remained a critical component of Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing the need for electorates to always support by contributing to peaceful conduct of elections especially at the grassroot level.
Idris King who is the current Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), equally commended members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their impressive turnout at polling units to cast their votes for the party’s candidates.
He said the participation of party supporters reflected their commitment to the electoral process, adding that peaceful participation and respect for the choices of voters were essential to the growth of democracy.
The Kogi political figure also praised the deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies, for their presence before, during and after the elections.
According to him, the security arrangements helped create an atmosphere in which eligible voters could participate in the exercise without undue fear or intimidation.
King further expressed satisfaction with his observations in areas visited during the election, noting that the absence of reported casualties, shootings, ballot stuffing and vote buying was encouraging.
He, however, emphasised the importance of sustaining such an atmosphere in future elections, urging electoral authorities, political parties and security agencies to continue working together to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
The coordinator , Renewed Hope Ambassadors also called on other states across the country to strengthen voter education and intensify public enlightenment on the importance of peaceful elections.
He maintained that educating voters on their rights and responsibilities would help discourage electoral malpractice, reduce tensions and encourage greater participation in the democratic process.
King urged political actors and their supporters to embrace tolerance, sportsmanship and respect for the rule of law, regardless of the outcome of an election.
He added that credible elections and peaceful transitions at the grassroots level were vital to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability and ensuring that local governments effectively served the needs of the people.
He concluded by calling on stakeholders to build on the peaceful atmosphere reported during the Kogi council elections by prioritising civic responsibility, electoral transparency and the collective interest of the state and the nation.
