Nigeria's INEC Issues Certificates of Return to Bye‑Election and Ekiti Gubernatorial Winners

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to candidates who won the June 20 2026 bye‑elections in Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano states. The ceremony was led by National Commissioner May Agbamuche‑Mbu, who urged the newly elected officials to serve their constituents with fairness and responsibility. INEC also announced that certificates will be issued to winners of the Zuru constituency bye‑election in Kebbi and to the Ekiti State governorship election.

In Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye received their certificates, confirming Oyebanji’s historic second‑term victory. Additionally, Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan was presented with a Certificate of Return for her candidacy in the Kogi Central senatorial race.

The certificates formally validate the election outcomes and mark the transition from ballot counting to legislative or executive duties for the winners across the affected states.