Ododo spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene, where he expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise and commended security personnel for helping to maintain order. The governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's support, saying the Federal Government's cooperation had helped create an environment in which residents could participate in the electoral process with greater confidence.

According to Ododo, the calm atmosphere marked a positive change from previous local government elections that had been associated with violence and insecurity in some areas. He described the exercise as more celebratory than confrontational, arguing that improved security could encourage greater public participation in democratic activities.

He maintained that protecting lives and property remained a priority for his administration and stressed that sustained cooperation between state and federal authorities was important in addressing security threats.

The governor also urged residents to recognise the efforts and resources required to maintain peace, noting that security contributes not only to credible elections but also to economic activities and everyday interactions within communities.

Ododo said his administration would remain focused on governance and public welfare rather than be distracted by controversies on social media. He called on political actors to engage constructively and demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of residents.

He further challenged opposition parties to explain their records and present their proposals for the state's development, maintaining that political competition should be guided by accountability and service to the public.

Expressing confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ododo credited the party's leadership, including President Tinubu, with supporting his administration's development and security priorities.

After voting, the governor said he had left the remaining electoral process to the relevant officials and urged political stakeholders and residents to help preserve the peaceful atmosphere until the exercise was concluded.

The election is a significant test of grassroots democratic participation in Kogi State. However, the governor's positive assessment of the process represents his view of the exercise; the overall credibility of the polls must also be judged by voting access, transparent procedures, the handling of results and reports from election observers and other stakeholders.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media