Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has commended the peaceful conduct of the ongoing local government elections across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Ododo spoke on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit in Upogoro, Okene, where he also praised President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for democracy to thrive in Nigeria.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere surrounding the exercise, describing it as a departure from the violence and bloodshed that had characterised local government elections in the past.

He noted that the process had taken on a celebratory atmosphere, likening it to a carnival rather than the tension, fear and destruction previously associated with such polls in parts of the country.

“The peaceful atmosphere surrounding the exercise is a significant departure from the violence and bloodshed that has characterised Local Government elections in the past,” Ododo said.

He attributed the development to improved security, stressing that a safe environment was essential to strengthening democracy and encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process without fear.

“In the past, Local Government elections used to be bloody. But we thank Mr President for giving us that confidence and supporting us to provide security for our people. You can see that Local Government elections are now just like a carnival,” he added.

Ododo maintained that the peaceful atmosphere reflected efforts to address security challenges in the state. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, with continued support from the Federal Government.