The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented Certificates of Return to winners of the recent bye-elections conducted across the country, urging the lawmakers-elect to serve their constituents with fairness, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
The certificates were presented to senators-elect from Enugu-North, Nasarawa-North, and Rivers South-East, but Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile, who won the Ondo-South senatorial seat was not immediately available to collect his certificate.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the INEC Chairman, represented by a National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, congratulated the successful candidates and reminded them that their election was a mandate to provide effective representation for the people.
She said the issuance of Certificates of Return marked the formal conclusion of the electoral process and the beginning of the winners’ responsibility to serve the electorate.
“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,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.
Among the beneficiaries was Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the Ondo-South Senatorial zone bye-election, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Others recognised included Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who emerged victorious in the Rivers South-East Senatorial zone election.
For the Enugu-North senatorial zone, INEC returned Ikeje Asogwa Israel of the APC, who was at the event to receive his Certificate of Return.
Also was Rabiu Shuaibu, winner of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency election in Kano State, was there to pick his certificate.
Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that Certificates of Return would also be presented to winners of the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the Ekiti State governorship election, both conducted on June 20, 2026.
She urged the elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents through quality representation, adherence to democratic principles and commitment to public service.
The National Commissioner also expressed appreciation to political stakeholders, party supporters and all participants in the electoral process for their contributions to the successful conduct of the elections.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for coming and wish you good luck in the years ahead,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by elected representatives, political party officials and other electoral stakeholders.
