Introduction to INEC’s Certificate of Return Presentation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that Certificates of Return will be presented to winners of the just-concluded by-elections across the country on Thursday, August 21, 2025. National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, who stated this in a statement on Tuesday, said the decision complied with the provision of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Presentation Details for Senators-elect and Members of the House of Representatives-elect
The presentation for Senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect will take place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja at 3:00 p.m. Those to receive their certificates include Senators-elect for Anambra South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts, as well as five members of the House of Representatives-elect from Ovie North East and Ovie South West Federal Constituency of Edo State, Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, and Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State.
State Houses of Assembly Certificate Presentation
Olumekun, however, noted that for state Houses of Assembly, Certificates of Return would be presented by the respective Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in state offices on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The affected constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North II (Anambra), Basawa and Zana/Kewaye (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano), Okura (Kogi), Munya (Niger), and Karim Lamido I (Taraba).
Outcome of Re-run Elections
He further observed that re-run elections, ordered by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals, were conducted in Enugu and Kano states, adding that after previous disruptions of the elections in those two states by violence and thuggery, the elections have now been completed. For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared the winner, while Ya’u Garba Gwarmai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election in the Ghan/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
Inconclusive Election in Zamfara State
Olumekun said while results have been declared in most constituencies, the election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency of Zamfara State was declared inconclusive due to violence in five polling units. He added: “By-elections were held in two Senatorial Districts, five Federal Constituencies and nine State Assembly Constituencies. Declaration and return have been made in two Senatorial Districts, five Federal Constituencies and eight State Assembly Constituencies. In spite of the prevailing security situation, election was held in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency of Zamfara State. However, the Returning Officer reported that he was unable to make a declaration because of violence/emergency in five Polling Units across two Registration Areas/Wards with a total of 3,572 registered voters, out of which 3,265 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were collected by voters. The margin of lead was 1,662. Therefore, based on Section 24(3) and (4) of the Electoral Act 2022, election must be held in the affected polling units to determine a winner. Consequently, the Commission has fixed Thursday August, 21, 2025 for election in the five polling units.”
Conclusion
The presentation of Certificates of Return to the winners of the by-elections marks a significant step in the electoral process. Despite the challenges posed by violence and security concerns, INEC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the integrity and transparency of the elections. The re-run elections in Enugu and Kano states have been completed, and the winners have been declared. However, the election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency of Zamfara State remains inconclusive, and a new election has been scheduled to determine the winner.
FAQs
Q: When will the Certificates of Return be presented to the winners of the by-elections?
A: The Certificates of Return will be presented to the winners of the by-elections on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Q: Where will the presentation take place for Senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect?
A: The presentation will take place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja at 3:00 p.m.
Q: Which constituencies will receive their Certificates of Return on Friday, August 22, 2025?
A: The affected constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North II (Anambra), Basawa and Zana/Kewaye (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano), Okura (Kogi), Munya (Niger), and Karim Lamido I (Taraba).
Q: What was the outcome of the re-run elections in Enugu and Kano states?
A: Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared the winner in the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, while Ya’u Garba Gwarmai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election in the Ghan/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
Q: Why was the election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency of Zamfara State declared inconclusive?
A: The election was declared inconclusive due to violence in five polling units, and a new election has been scheduled to determine the winner.
