Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued Certificates of Return to newly elected lawmakers following Saturday’s by-elections across various constituencies and senatorial districts in six states.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the certificates were distributed to the lawmakers-elect on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. Notable recipients included Chief Ikeje Asogwa from the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Enugu North Senatorial District, and Halilu Envulu-Anza of the APC from Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Other recipients were Johnson Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, and Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC from Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, Kano State.
In her remarks, INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the by-elections as credible and peaceful, commending political actors and their supporters for maintaining order. She advised the winners to prioritize effective representation for their respective constituencies and senatorial districts. Agbamuche-Mbu noted that the elections took place on June 20.
The National Commissioner also mentioned that Certificates of Return would be issued for the Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State and the Ekiti governorship election.
Senator-elect for Enugu North Senatorial District, Asogwa, expressed his readiness to deliver democratic dividends to his constituents, emphasizing infrastructural development, education, and health sector improvements. He attributed the APC’s victory to the party’s visible developmental strides in governance.
Similarly, Senator-elect for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Johnson Nwogu of the PDP, expressed gratitude to God and his constituents for his electoral victory, pledging to be a strong advocate for his constituency and the nation.
Timothy Anjide, speaking on behalf of Envulu-Anza, Senator-elect for Nasarawa North Senatorial District, denied allegations of irregularities in the by-election, asserting that it was credible and peaceful. Anjide praised Envulu-Anza as an outstanding legal mind and administrator, promising continued progressive developmental and leadership strides under the APC leadership in Nasarawa North.