(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally presented Certificates of Return to winners of the August 16 by-elections.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the presentation ceremony took place on Thursday at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The by-elections were conducted across 12 states to fill 16 vacant legislative seats.
According to INEC, these vacancies included two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies.
National Commissioners of the electoral body presided over the event, handing certificates to senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives.
One of the recipients, Senator-elect Emmanuel Nwachukwu of Anambra South, pledged to deliver credible and impactful representation.
He noted that his district suffers from severe ecological challenges and described Anambra South as the “erosion capital of Nigeria.”
Nwachukwu promised to engage local and international experts to tackle environmental degradation and improve living conditions in the area.
He also highlighted health care, education, and economic empowerment for business owners and people with disabilities as his legislative priorities.
In Edo State, Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was presented with his certificate as senator-elect for Edo Central.
Ikpea, who replaces Monday Okpebholo following his resignation to contest the Edo governorship election, assured his people of quality representation.
“The way I attend to my people now will determine their support for me in the future,” Ikpea remarked.
He emphasised grassroots development as his key focus, promising to foster inclusive governance.
Also in Edo State, Omosede Igbinedion (APC) received her certificate after winning the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and her constituents for their support during the polls.
Igbinedion dedicated her victory to the people and vowed to exceed expectations through diligent service in the National Assembly.
INEC, in an official statement, confirmed that Certificates of Return for state lawmakers-elect will be presented at the state level on Friday.
Resident Electoral Commissioners are scheduled to oversee the exercise in their respective states at 11 a.m.
The by-elections have been hailed as an opportunity to strengthen legislative representation in critical areas of the country.
Political observers say the outcome also reflects the growing importance of grassroots engagement in Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.