By Lateef Ibrahim
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged candidates who emerged victorious in the June 20, 2026 bye-elections across five states to focus on effective representation and service delivery as they prepare to assume office.
The charge came as the electoral commission presented Certificates of Return to the successful candidates from Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano States, formally confirming their election victories.
The certificates were presented on behalf of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, by the commission’s Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Addressing the winners during the ceremony, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them on their success while reminding them that the real task begins after the election.
She emphasized that their foremost responsibility is to provide quality representation for their constituents and respond to the expectations of the electorate who entrusted them with public office.
The National Commissioner also encouraged the newly elected officials to approach their mandates with dedication, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.
The presentation of the certificates officially completes a key stage of the electoral process, paving the way for the winners to take up their mandates in the affected constituencies.
INEC also announced that candidates who recently won other elections, including the Zuru State Constituency poll in Kebbi State and the Ekiti State governorship election, will receive their Certificates of Return in due course.
The development marks the latest step in the commission’s post-election activities following the successful conduct of the June 20 bye-elections across the country.
