Jane Salihu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday urged winners of the June 20, 2026 bye-elections to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents through accountable and responsive representation, as it formally concluded the electoral process with the presentation of Certificates of Return.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who represented the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, said electoral victory comes with a greater responsibility to serve the people and uphold democratic values.
She described the bye-elections as peaceful, transparent and credible, commending political parties, candidates, security agencies, election officials and voters for their contributions to the successful conduct of the polls.
“Today, I will be issuing your Certificates of Return, and we pray that you represent your people fairly. That is what matters most to us,” she said.
Certificates of Return were presented to senators-elect from Enugu North, Nasarawa North and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts, as well as the member-elect for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State. Although the Ondo South Senator-elect, Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile, was expected at the ceremony, he was not in attendance.
Agbamuche-Mbu said that the Commission would also issue Certificates of Return to winners of the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the Ekiti State governorship election, both conducted on June 20.
She stressed that the expectations of Nigerians extend beyond electoral victories, urging the lawmakers-elect to remain committed to responsive leadership and public accountability.
With the presentation of the certificates, INEC formally brought the electoral process for the affected constituencies to a close, paving the way for the lawmakers-elect to assume their legislative responsibilities.
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