The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the June 20 bye-elections held across Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano states, formally confirming their election into office.
The presentation ceremony, conducted on behalf of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, was led by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Addressing the newly elected lawmakers, Agbamuche-Mbu urged them to justify the mandate entrusted to them by their constituents through responsive and effective representation.
She stressed that the ultimate responsibility of elected officials is to serve the people faithfully and deliver on the expectations that earned them victory at the polls.
The electoral umpire also disclosed that separate ceremonies would be held for the presentation of Certificates of Return to the winner of the Zuru State Constituency bye-election in Kebbi State and the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election.
Results from the June 20 polls further strengthened the political dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which secured victories in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano and Kebbi states, expanding its legislative footprint across the country.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, successfully retained the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat, preventing a complete APC sweep of the contests.
Despite the successful conclusion of the elections, the polls were not without controversy. Reports of electoral violence, voter intimidation and alleged irregularities surfaced in some locations, raising fresh concerns about the conduct of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The presentation of the certificates marks the final stage of the electoral process, paving the way for the winners to assume their legislative responsibilities while attention shifts to unresolved complaints surrounding the conduct of some of the contests.