The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will formally issue Certificates of Return to winners of recent federal and state legislative bye-elections held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
In an official statement released Tuesday in Abuja, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that the presentation ceremony for federal legislators will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at INEC’s national headquarters.
“In line with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC will present Certificates of Return to Senators-elect from Anambra South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts, as well as five newly elected members of the House of Representatives,” Olumekun stated.
Federal Constituencies Receiving Certificates:
Ovie North East and Ovie South West – Edo State
Babura/Garki – Jigawa State
Chikun/Kajuru – Kaduna State
Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North – Ogun State
Ibadan North – Oyo State
Certificates of Return for winners of State Assembly bye-elections will be issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, by Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in each affected state.
State Constituencies to Receive Certificates:
Ganye – Adamawa
Onitsha North 1 – Anambra
Basawa and Zaria/Kewaye – Kaduna
Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa – Kano
Okura – Kogi
Munya – Niger
Karim Lamido 1 – Taraba
INEC confirmed successful declarations and returns in two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and eight state constituencies.
However, the bye-election for Kaura Namoda South State Constituency in Zamfara State was declared inconclusive due to election-day violence in five polling units across two wards. The Returning Officer reported that 3,572 registered voters were affected, with 3,265 PVCs already collected.
“Given that the margin of lead was 1,662—less than the number of affected voters—the Commission invoked Section 24(3) and (4) of the Electoral Act 2022 to order a supplementary election, scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025,” the statement read.
Re-Run Elections Concluded in Enugu and Kano
INEC also confirmed the successful conclusion of court-ordered re-run elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State, following earlier disruptions.
Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) won in Enugu South 1.
Ya’u Garba Gwarmai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in Ghari/Tsanyawa.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to credible and peaceful electoral processes, even in the face of localized violence and voter disruption.
