After the defeat in the Kogi Governorship election, Engr. Oladeji Bamidele, the deputy governorship candidate of the African Action Alliance (AAC), has publicly distanced himself from his party’s resolution to challenge the outcomes of the recent Kogi State governorship election.
Ahmed Ododo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, emerged as the victor in the election, Nugerian Tribune reports.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, earlier on Friday presented a certificate of return for Ododo and his deputy as governor-elect.
Bamidele who disclosed this during a press conference in Lokoja, expressed his readiness to collaborate and align with the Governor-Elect, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, contrary to his party’s stance.
He congratulated Ododo, commending his intellect and dedication to Kogi State’s progress. Oladeji highlighted Alhaji Ododo’s qualifications, including a PhD from the University of Lagos and past financial experience as the former financial secretary for the local government under Governor Yahaya Bello.
“These credentials are essential for steering Kogi State toward progress and development,” emphasised Oladeji.
In a call for post-election unity, he drew an analogy between politics and sports, stressing the importance of cooperation and healing despite the heated campaign.
“As we transition from a hard-fought campaign to the governance phase, I believe that healing must start immediately. Politics is like a football match: They shake hands before the match, ruffle each other up during the match, but after the match, they shake hands and exchange jerseys,” he said.
Oladeji urged stakeholders and citizens to rally behind Alhaji Ododo’s administration, transcending religious, tribal, and political boundaries for the state’s greater good.
He concluded by encouraging Ododo to collaborate with individuals of goodwill, irrespective of their political backgrounds or voting affiliations.
