Ahmed Usman Ododo is a Nigerian accountant and politician. He has served as the Governor of Kogi State since January 27, 2024. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and succeeded former Governor Yahaya Bello.
When and Where Was Ahmed Usman Ododo Born?
Public sources give conflicting birth dates for Ahmed Usman Ododo. Wikipedia lists his birth date as January 1, 1978. Other official sources list February 7, 1982, and January 1, 1982. This discrepancy has not been resolved through a single confirmed record. He was born in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria.
What Does Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Name Mean?
Ahmed Usman Ododo’s name carries specific meanings in his native language. His name breaks down as follows:
- Ahmed means “the highly praised”
- Usman means “the wise, most powerful”
- Ododo means “counsellors of great leaders”
According to his family history, his parents named him with the belief that he was destined to become a leader and counsellor to great men. His family has long held respect and influence in their community.
What Is Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Educational Background?
Ahmed Usman Ododo studied accountancy at the Federal Polytechnic Bida in Niger State. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. Some sources instead describe his Ahmadu Bello University degree as being in political science.
Ahmed Usman Ododo went on to earn a postgraduate qualification at the University of Lagos. Sources disagree on the exact nature of this qualification. Some describe it as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), while others describe it as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
What Was Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Role Before Becoming Governor?
Ahmed Usman Ododo served as Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State before his election as governor. In this role, he oversaw financial audits of local government councils across the state. Governor Yahaya Bello appointed him to this position.
Did Ahmed Usman Ododo Win the 2023 Kogi Governorship Election?
Yes. Ahmed Usman Ododo won the November 11, 2023 Kogi State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress. He was declared governor-elect by returning officer Professor Johnson Urama on November 12, 2023. He assumed office on January 27, 2024, succeeding Yahaya Bello.
The table below shows the final results of the 2023 Kogi State governorship election.
| Candidate | Party | Popular Vote | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmed Usman Ododo | APC | 446,237 | 57.04% |
| Murtala Ajaka | SDP | 259,052 | 33.11% |
| Dino Melaye | PDP | 46,362 | 5.93% |
This table lists the top three candidates in the 2023 Kogi governorship race, their party affiliation, their total votes, and their vote share, based on INEC’s official declaration.
Who Is Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Deputy Governor?
Ahmed Usman Ododo selected Salifu Joel Oyibo as his running mate for the 2023 election. Salifu Joel is a Nigerian teacher and politician, born on May 7, 1967. He has served as Deputy Governor of Kogi State since January 27, 2024, succeeding Edward Onoja.
Is Ahmed Usman Ododo Married?
Yes. Ahmed Usman Ododo is married and has three children, according to a 2023 profile published around the time of his election.
What Is Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Religion?
Ahmed Usman Ododo is a Muslim. Colleagues and associates describe him as a highly detribalized figure in Kogi State politics, known for engaging respectfully across the state’s different communities.
What Is Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Governance Focus?
As governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has stated a commitment to visible, impactful, and equitable governance. His administration has focused on improving the standard of living for Kogi State residents and pursuing sustainable economic growth across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ahmed Usman Ododo become governor of Kogi State?
Ahmed Usman Ododo became governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2024.
What party does Ahmed Usman Ododo belong to?
Ahmed Usman Ododo belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What was Ahmed Usman Ododo’s job before becoming governor?
Ahmed Usman Ododo served as Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State.
Who did Ahmed Usman Ododo defeat in the 2023 election?
Ahmed Usman Ododo defeated Murtala Ajaka of the SDP and Dino Melaye of the PDP in the 2023 Kogi governorship election.
Who is Ahmed Usman Ododo’s deputy governor?
Ahmed Usman Ododo’s deputy governor is Salifu Joel Oyibo.