INEC Issues Certificates of Return to Winners of 2025 National Assembly Bye-Elections
Concisedailynews – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to seven winners of the August 16, 2025 National Assembly bye-elections, formally confirming their election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The ceremony, held at INEC’s Headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday was presided over by National Commissioners of the Commission, who handed the certificates to the newly elected lawmakers representing various constituencies across the country.
From the South East, National Commissioner Kenneth Ukeagu presented the Certificate of Return to Nwachukwu Emmanuel Chibuzor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election.
In the South South zone, National Commissioner Professor Rhoda Gumus issued Certificates of Return to Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe, Senator-elect for Edo Central, and Igbinedion Omosede Gabriella, elected for Ovia Southwest Federal Constituency—both of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The North West presentation was conducted by Professor Abdullahi Zuru, who handed the certificate to Mukhtar Rabiu Garki, APC winner of the Bubura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State.
In Kaduna State, Mal. Kudu Haruna presented the certificate to Joseph Bagudu, APC representative-elect for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
The South West zone also had two winners: Elegbeji Adesola Yetunde Ayoola, elected to represent Ikene/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State, and Oyekunle Fola Sunday, elected for Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State, both of the APC. Their certificates were presented by Professor Kunle Ajayi.
INEC further announced that winners of the State House of Assembly bye-elections held on the same date will receive their Certificates of Return from the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs)of their respective states on Friday, August 22, 2025.
The issuance of Certificates of Return by INEC marks the final step in validating the mandate of elected officials after the 2025 bye-elections, ensuring they are recognized as the authentic representatives of their constituencies in the National Assembly.
