The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented Certificates of Return to seven candidates who won the recently conducted bye-elections across various senatorial districts and federal constituencies in Nigeria.
The bye-elections were held on **Saturday, August 16, 2025**, to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly. These vacancies had arisen due to resignations, deaths, or legal nullification of previous election results in certain areas. In line with the **Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), Section 71(1)**, INEC is mandated to issue a Certificate of Return to each candidate declared as winner by the Returning Officer, within 14 days after the election.
On Thursday, **August 21, 2025**, INEC fulfilled this requirement by issuing the certificates in Abuja. The National Commissioners overseeing the relevant geopolitical zones made the presentations during a brief ceremony at INEC’s national headquarters.
A total of **seven successful candidates** received their Certificates of Return. These include winners from **two Senatorial Districts** and **five Federal Constituencies** spread across six states.
#### **Breakdown of Winners**
**Senatorial Districts:**
1. **Anambra South Senatorial District**
2. **Edo Central Senatorial District**
**Federal Constituencies:**
1. One constituency in **Edo State**
2. One constituency in **Jigawa State**
3. One constituency in **Kaduna State**
4. One constituency in **Ogun State**
5. One constituency in **Oyo State**
Though INEC has not officially released the names of all the individual winners and their political parties at the time of this report, the issuance of Certificates of Return confirms the finality of their victory.
Speaking during the presentation, an INEC National Commissioner reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency, due process, and adherence to electoral laws. “We have complied strictly with the provisions of the law by ensuring that these certificates are issued within the legally stipulated 14-day window,” he said.
He also called on the winners to justify the confidence of their constituents by focusing on quality representation and development-oriented legislation.
#### **What Are Bye-Elections?**
Bye-elections are held when a seat in the legislature becomes vacant before the end of the term. Common causes include the death of an elected lawmaker, voluntary resignation, disqualification by the courts, or appointment to another public office. These elections allow constituents to elect new representatives to fill such vacancies.
The August 16 polls were conducted under the watch of both local and international observers. INEC had earlier assured the public that the elections would be free, fair, and credible. Despite isolated reports of minor logistics issues in some areas, civil society groups largely described the process as peaceful and transparent.
#### **INEC’s Role and the Legal Framework**
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, INEC is the body empowered to organize elections into all offices provided for in the Constitution. Section 71(1) of the **Electoral Act 2022** specifically states:
> “A sealed Certificate of Return in the prescribed form shall be issued within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned elected under the Act.”
This ensures that the process moves quickly and that elected officials can begin work without undue delays.
#### **Public Expectations and Next Steps**
Now that the certificates have been issued, the elected lawmakers are expected to resume their duties when the National Assembly reconvenes. The National Assembly leadership will officially swear them in, after which they will begin participating in legislative activities.
Political analysts believe that the performance of these lawmakers will be closely watched, especially since some are returning to complete an unfinished term, while others are new faces in the National Assembly. Their ability to deliver on campaign promises and effectively represent their constituents will be critical to their political future.
Citizens across the affected senatorial districts and federal constituencies have been urged to stay engaged and hold their representatives accountable through active civic participation.
