The last general elections will go down in the political history of the country as one of the finest elections ever conducted in Nigeria.

The Independent National Electoral Commissioner for Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States, Professor Sanni Muhammed Adam, declared this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Tuesday while presenting certificates of return to the re-elected governor of the state, Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, his deputy, and state house of assembly members-elect.

His declaration comes despite mounting criticisms of the conduct of the electoral process in the just concluded general elections by INEC from aggrieved Nigerians and some countries around the globe.

Professor Sanni congratulated the governor and other elected officials on their victories, describing the conduct of the electoral process as peaceful, especially in Kwara State.

He said, ”We are proud to say so unequivocally, because it was not only successful but very peaceful.”

Receiving the certificate of return, Governor Abdulrazaq assured Kwarans that he would remain just as responsive and empathetic to the yearnings of the citizens as he has always been.

“This certificate represents the collective decision of our people to push forward our agenda for sustainable development in Kwara State. It symbolizes their trust in our efforts to build a state in which everyone has equal stakes. "I do not take this trust for granted,” he said in a brief acceptance speech.

“I am reassuring our people that our government will continue to be empathetic, inclusive, and responsive as our resources permit."

“In the next four years, we plan to see through our legacy projects and reforms across different sectors."

“Beyond building physical infrastructure, I believe that Kwara requires a new way of thinking that not only protects the dignity of the human person but also guarantees sustainable growth. We need everyone to make this happen, irrespective of where we stand in politics or faith.

“I thank everyone for their roles in making today a reality. I am grateful to our traditional and religious institutions, civil servants, party leaders and members, artisans and professionals, students, security agencies, the electoral umpire, and indeed the general public. This mandate represents your trust in our ability to do much more.

“Ultimately, I give all the glory to and seek the help of the Almighty God, who directs all affairs,” Governor Abdulrazaq added.

He received his certificate of return alongside his deputy, Kayode Alabi, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and other members-elect.

Governor Abdulrazaq was accompanied to the ceremony held at the state INEC office in Ilorin by his wife, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, cabinet members, Mutawali of Ilorin, and Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq, with security commanders, including Police Commissioner Paul Odama, also in attendance.