Jun 23, 2026

INEC Issues Certificates of Return After Peaceful June Bye-Elections

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria — In a smooth wrap-up to Nigeria’s recent off-cycle polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, formally presented Certificates of Return to the declared winners of the June 20 bye-elections held across multiple states. The ceremony, conducted on behalf of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, underscores the electoral umpire’s commitment to timely and credible conclusion of electoral processes.

The presentations took place at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, with National Commissioners representing various geo-political zones handing over the certificates to the victorious candidates. Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who led the proceedings, congratulated the winners and delivered a clear charge: serve your constituents diligently and prioritize effective representation.

Scope of the Bye-Elections The June 20 elections filled several vacant seats, including senatorial districts in Rivers (South East), Enugu (North), Nasarawa (North), and Ondo (South); a Federal House of Representatives seat in Kano (Dawakin Kudu/Warawa); and a State House of Assembly constituency in Kebbi (Zuru).

These ran concurrently with the Ekiti State Governorship election.

According to reports and INEC’s updates, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victories in the majority of the contests (five out of six), with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holding on in Rivers South East Senatorial District. Specific winners include:

Enugu North Senatorial: Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC) Ondo South Senatoria: Dayo Faduyile (APC) Other APC triumphs in Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi seats.

Certificates for the remaining winners in Kebbi (Zuru) and Ekiti Governorship are expected to be presented shortly.

Remarks and Broader Implications Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu emphasized that the true test of electoral success lies not just in winning, but in quality governance and accountability to the people.

Her message resonated as a reminder that Certificates of Return confer both authority and responsibility.

The bye-elections, described by INEC and observers as largely peaceful with high compliance in polling unit openings, serve as an important litmus test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They tested INEC’s logistical readiness, voter turnout mechanisms, and security coordination in a politically charged environment.

While some pockets of controversy and allegations of irregularities surfaced on social media — typical in Nigeria’s polarized electoral landscape — the overall conduct has been viewed positively by many stakeholders as a step toward building public confidence.

Human Angle: Democracy in Motion For the newly certified lawmakers and the Ekiti governor-elect, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter.

In a country where governance challenges — from infrastructure deficits to economic pressures — remain pressing, constituents will be watching closely to see whether these representatives translate electoral victory into tangible improvements in education, healthcare, security, and livelihoods.

Political analysts note that APC’s strong showing in several traditionally competitive or opposition-leaning areas could signal shifting dynamics, though the PDP’s retention of the Rivers seat highlights persistent regional strongholds.

As Nigeria gears up for 2027, these outcomes offer early insights into party strategies, voter sentiment, and the resilience of the democratic process.

INEC has consistently urged all parties to channel energies into issue-based politics and avoid actions that could undermine the system. With certificates now in hand, the focus shifts from campaigning to governance — a transition that will ultimately define the legacy of these elected officials.