Ahmed Usman Ododo — a former state Auditor-General for Local Government — retained the office for the APC by a margin of 24% over first runner-up and SDP nominee Murtala Ajaka.

The results were immediately rejected by the runners-up due to widespread reports of irregularities, with candidates and media focusing attention upon three central LGAs — Adavi, Okehi, and Okene — where both the turnout (83.9%) and Ododo vote share (97.1%) were extremely high.

[6][7][8][9][10][11] Although he initially stated that he would not challenge the results due to distrust in INEC and the judiciary, Ajaka ultimately filed legal petitions against the election.

In Bello's second inaugural address in 2020, he declared that his second term would highlight agricultural development, increasing employment, and improving the state's revenue.

[13] Performance-wise, Bello was commended for gender inclusion in his cabinet[14] but his term was immensely controversial as he was criticized for inciting electoral violence,[15] autocratic actions,[16] lies about COVID-19 and vaccines,[17][18][19][20] and further corruption allegations.

On 25 October 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable, setting out key dates and deadlines for the election.