ABUJA — Nigeria’s electoral umpire has urged newly elected lawmakers to serve their constituents with fairness and dedication as it officially hands over certificates of return to the winners of recent legislative bye-elections.
Speaking on Tuesday at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the successful candidates and reminded them of the immense responsibility placed on them by voters.
“We pray that you represent your people fairly. That is what matters most to us,” Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu told the gathered politicians and party officials.
The presentation of the certificates marks the formal conclusion of the electoral process and legally activates the politicians’ mandates to take their seats in the legislature.
Regional winners recognized
Among those officially recognized at the ceremony were:
- Olaka Nwogu Johnson, who secured victory in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
- Rabiu Shuaibu, the newly elected representative for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State.
- Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile, who won the Ondo South Senatorial District election but was unable to attend the Abuja ceremony.
The commission disclosed that further certificates of return would be issued locally in Kebbi State for the Zuru constituency and in Ekiti State following the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu thanked political stakeholders, supporters, and the electorate for their peaceful participation in the polls, urging the lawmakers-elect to justify public confidence through effective representation and a strict commitment to democratic principles.
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