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.
Gatekeepers News reports that the certificates were presented on behalf of the INEC Chairman by Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), through the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
INEC disclosed the development in a statement published on its official X account on Tuesday.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to live up to the expectations of their constituents through quality representation.
“The most important responsibility is to represent the people well,” she said.
She also announced that the commission would separately present Certificates of Return to the winners of the Zuru State Constituency bye-election in Kebbi State and 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 strengthening the party’s presence in legislative positions across the country.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, retained the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat.
Although the elections produced clear winners, some of the contests were overshadowed by allegations of electoral irregularities, voter intimidation and violence in certain areas.
The presentation of Certificates of Return marks the formal conclusion of the electoral process and paves the way for the elected officials to assume their respective positions.
