By joshua ODODO COMMENDS INEC FOR UPHOLDING RULE OF LAW IN RESTORATION OF KOGI STATE CONSTITUENCIES
By Abu Micheal
Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission for choosing the path of justice and constitutional order in its ongoing process to restore suppressed state constituencies in Kogi State.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the INEC stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the engagement as “a defining reaffirmation of justice, equity, and the enduring supremacy of the rule of law” in Nigeria. He said history is being made at a time when institutions are prioritizing legality over convenience and restoring full representation to communities long denied it.
The governor expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Kogi State to INEC for demonstrating institutional integrity and respect for due process in line with the Federal High Court ruling and the provisions of the Constitution. He particularly commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ampitan, for his courage, professionalism, and fidelity to constitutional order, noting that his leadership has reinforced public confidence in the electoral system.
“Your actions have shown that you are an umpire trusted by all who believe in fairness, justice, and equity,” Ododo said. He added that Nigerians of goodwill stand solidly behind INEC, stressing that choosing fairness often comes with criticism from those accustomed to distorted processes, but it remains the price of patriotism.
Governor Ododo also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Kogite of impeccable character to lead the nation’s election management body at a critical time in the country’s democratic journey. He lauded the President for allowing the Judiciary to perform its constitutional role without interference, saying the development is deepening democracy and strengthening national institutions.
The governor assured INEC of the full cooperation of the Kogi State Government as it commences consultations and field visits across the state. He disclosed that robust security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee the safety of INEC officials and ensure they carry out their statutory responsibilities without hindrance.
Ododo described the period as the “Kogi Rebrand Era,” saying visitors would experience the state’s hospitality and its reputation as one of the most secure states in Nigeria today. He urged INEC to remain steadfast in upholding due process, letting fairness and justice guide its actions so that “only what is right is done, and seen to be done.”
He concluded by welcoming INEC officials to Kogi State, the “Confluence of Opportunities,” and wished them fruitful deliberations and successful engagements.