The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday officially handed out Certificates of Return to senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives who secured victory in the by-elections conducted across the country on August 16.
The presentation ceremony took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where different National Commissioners were on hand to issue the certificates to the successful candidates.
Among those who received their certificates was Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who emerged as the senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District. Also recognized was Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who clinched victory for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat.
In addition, five members-elect of the House of Representatives were issued their certificates. They include Barrister Omosede Igbinedion of the APC, who won the Ovie North East and Ovie South West Federal Constituency of Edo State, as well as Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki of the APC, representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State. Another recipient, Fidelix Bagudu of the APC, will now represent the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.
Others who collected their certificates were Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji of the APC, who emerged victorious in the Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, and Fola Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was elected to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
The August 16 by-elections were conducted by INEC to fill vacant seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, ensuring full representation of constituencies in the National Assembly.
What you should know
The August 16 by-elections enabled INEC to fill crucial legislative vacancies across the country.
The issuance of Certificates of Return officially confirms the mandates of the newly elected lawmakers, with Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA and Joseph Ikpea of APC leading the Senate seats, while five others will now represent their constituencies in the House of Representatives.
