By Balarabe Oshiafi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will present Certificates of Return to winners of just recent by-elections on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at its National Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued on tuesday by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission confirmed the conclusion of re-run elections in Enugu and Kano States, which were ordered by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
“After previous disruptions of the elections in the two States by violence and thuggery, the elections have now been concluded. Declaration and return were made by the Returning Officers.
“For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared winner while Ya’u Garba Gwarmai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election in Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State,” Olumekun said.
He explained that in line with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission would also present Certificates of Return to federal lawmakers-elect.
“In compliance with the provision of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Certificates of Return will be presented to the Senators-elect for Anambra South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts as well as the five members of House of Representatives-elect for 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.
“The occasion will take place at the INEC National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 21st August 2025 at 3.00pm,” the statement read.
For State Assemblies, Certificates of Return will be issued at the state level the following day.
“For State Houses of Assembly, the Certificates of Return will be presented to members-elect by the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in our State offices on Friday 22nd August 2025 at 11.00am.
“The constituencies are Ganye State Constituency of Adamawa State, Onitsha North 1 State Constituency of Anambra State, Basawa and Zaria/Kewaye State Constituencies of Kaduna State, Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa State constituencies of Kano State, Okura State Constituency of Kogi State, Munya State Constituency of Niger State and Karim Lamido 1 State Constituency of Taraba State,” Olumekun stated.
He assured that the Commission would continue to keep Nigerians updated on all its activities.
