By Deborah Nnamdi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections conducted on June 20, 2026, across Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo, and Kano states.
The presentation was carried out on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, according to a statement posted on the commission’s official X account on Tuesday.
Addressing the winners during the ceremony, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them on their electoral success and urged them to provide effective representation for their constituents.
“The most important responsibility is to represent the people well,” she said.
She also disclosed that Certificates of Return would be presented separately to the winner of the Zuru State Constituency bye-election in Kebbi State and the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election.
The June 20 bye-elections saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure victories in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi states, further consolidating the party’s presence in legislative chambers across the country.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, retained the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat.
Despite producing clear winners, some of the elections were overshadowed by allegations of electoral irregularities, violence, and voter intimidation in certain areas.
INEC has yet to officially respond to complaints arising from the affected polling units, as stakeholders continue to assess the conduct of the elections.
