The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday formally presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the August 16, 2025 bye-elections held across the country.
According to INEC, the exercise was in compliance with constitutional provisions mandating that winners must be issued certificates within 14 days of being declared by a Returning Officer.
In line with this, seven candidates received their certificates from the National Commissioners overseeing the relevant geopolitical zones.
The certificates covered two Senatorial Districts – Anambra South and Edo Central – as well as five Federal Constituencies across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States.
Quoting the Electoral Act, INEC noted:
“Following the conclusion of the bye-elections held on August 16, 2025, and in accordance with Section 71(1) of the Electoral Act, sealed Certificates of Return shall be issued within 14 days to every candidate returned by the Returning Officer.”
Meanwhile, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima has faulted the process, alleging that the bye-elections were unconstitutional. Speaking on Channels TV earlier in the week, he argued that INEC violated provisions requiring that vacancies be filled within three months, describing the exercise as “illegal.”
INEC, however, insists the elections and subsequent certification were conducted in line with the law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday formally presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the August 16, 2025 bye-elections held across the country.
According to INEC, the exercise was in compliance with constitutional provisions mandating that winners must be issued certificates within 14 days of being declared by a Returning Officer.
In line with this, seven candidates received their certificates from the National Commissioners overseeing the relevant geopolitical zones.
The certificates covered two Senatorial Districts – Anambra South and Edo Central – as well as five Federal Constituencies across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States.
Quoting the Electoral Act, INEC noted:
“Following the conclusion of the bye-elections held on August 16, 2025, and in accordance with Section 71(1) of the Electoral Act, sealed Certificates of Return shall be issued within 14 days to every candidate returned by the Returning Officer.”
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Meanwhile, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima has faulted the process, alleging that the bye-elections were unconstitutional. Speaking on Channels TV earlier in the week, he argued that INEC violated provisions requiring that vacancies be filled within three months, describing the exercise as “illegal.”
INEC, however, insists the elections and subsequent certification were conducted in line with the law.
