The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the by-elections conducted across six states on June 20, 2026.

The by-elections were held to fill vacant legislative seats in several constituencies, including the Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Ondo South, and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts, as well as the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and the Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State.

The presentation ceremony was conducted by INEC officials on Tuesday, marking the formal conclusion of the electoral process and paving the way for the elected representatives to assume their legislative responsibilities.

Representing the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the event was the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who oversaw the presentation of the certificates.

Addressing the winners, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them on their electoral victories and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with public office.

“The most important thing is for you to represent your people well,” she said, urging the newly elected lawmakers to remain committed to the interests of their constituents and deliver quality representation.

She emphasized that electoral victory should be viewed as a call to service and encouraged the lawmakers-elect to focus on addressing the needs and aspirations of the people who entrusted them with their mandates.

The by-elections were conducted to fill vacancies that arose in the affected constituencies following deaths, appointments, and other developments that left the seats vacant.

INEC had deployed personnel and election materials across the affected states to ensure a smooth electoral process, with the commission describing the exercise as part of its constitutional responsibility to guarantee representation for all constituencies.

The presentation of Certificates of Return signifies official recognition of the winners and authorizes them to take their seats in the National and State Assemblies in accordance with the law.

The newly elected lawmakers are expected to join their respective legislative chambers in the coming weeks, where they will represent their constituents and participate in lawmaking, oversight, and other parliamentary functions.

The ceremony marked another milestone in the commission’s efforts to conclude the electoral process in the affected constituencies and ensure that the vacancies created in the legislative bodies are duly filled through democratic means.