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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally presented Certificates of Return to two senators-elect and five members-elect of the House of Representatives who emerged victorious in the recently concluded bye-elections conducted across several states of the federation.
The presentation ceremony, which took place at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, marked the official conclusion of the bye-elections held to fill vacant legislative seats in Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States.
Among those who received their certificates were Nwachukwu Emmanuel Chibuzor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who won the bye-election for the Anambra South Senatorial District, and Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured victory in the Edo Central Senatorial District.
In the House of Representatives category, five lawmakers-elect were presented with their certificates. Igbinedion Omosede Gabriella of the APC was elected to represent the Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency in Edo State, while Mukhtar Rabiu Garki, also of the APC, will represent the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State. Another APC candidate, Joseph Fidelix Bagudu, emerged as the representative for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State. Elegbeji Adesola Yetunde Ayoola, again from the APC, was elected to represent Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State. Completing the list is Oyekunle Fola Sunday of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who won the election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
INEC further announced that Certificates of Return for members-elect of the State Houses of Assembly, who were also elected during the weekend bye-elections, will be presented on Friday, August 22, 2025. These will be issued at 11:00 a.m. by the respective Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s state offices.
Reiterating its commitment to credible elections and transparency in the electoral process, INEC urged the newly elected lawmakers to remain focused on the priorities and welfare of their constituents as they prepare to take on their legislative responsibilities.