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INEC Hands Certificates Of Return To By-Election Winners: What This Means For Nigeria’s Democracy 🗳️🇳🇬

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INEC Hands Certificates Of Return To By-Election Winners: What This Means For Nigeria’s Democracy 🗳️🇳🇬

Elections are not just about casting ballots—they’re about trust, continuity, and the promise of representation. In a country where democratic institutions are constantly under scrutiny, every step matters. On Thursday, August 21, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marked another milestone by presenting Certificates of Return to winners of the recent by-elections held on August 16.

The brief ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja might look routine on the surface, but for the newly elected senators and members of the House of Representatives, it represents the formal start of their legislative journeys. More importantly, it signals INEC’s ongoing effort to keep Nigeria’s democratic wheel turning, even between general elections.

🏛️ Who Got Their Certificates?

Among the key recipients was Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), now officially the senator for Anambra South. His victory is notable because APGA has historically maintained a stronghold in Anambra politics, and his emergence keeps that streak alive.

Also making headlines is Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who clinched the Edo Central Senatorial District seat. His win strengthens APC’s presence in Edo, a state often seen as a fierce battleground between parties.

Five new members of the House of Representatives also received their certificates:

  • Barr. Omosede Igbinedion (APC) – Ovie North East/South West, Edo State

  • Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki (APC) – Babura/Garki, Jigawa State

  • Fidelix Bagudu (APC) – Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna State

  • Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji (APC) – Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North, Ogun State

  • Fola Oyekunle (PDP) – Ibadan North, Oyo State

With this lineup, APC unsurprisingly took the lion’s share, but the victories for PDP and APGA remind us that Nigeria’s political map is far from one-colored.

🔎 Why These By-Elections Matter

By-elections may not carry the fireworks of a general election, but they are critical for three reasons:

  1. They Test Party Strengths Mid-Cycle – Parties use them as a gauge to assess public sentiment before the next general elections. APC’s wins here show its continued organizational strength, but PDP and APGA’s presence signals that voters still want alternatives.

  2. They Shape Representation in Real Time – For constituents, these wins mean their voices won’t be left unheard in Abuja until 2027. It’s an immediate restoration of representation.

  3. They Reflect INEC’s Credibility – Smoothly organized by-elections bolster trust in INEC’s capacity to conduct larger polls. Each successful outing is a small step toward rebuilding public confidence.

⚖️ The Bigger Picture for 2027

While the certificates are pieces of paper, the real story is about positioning for 2027. Politicians who win by-elections often become strategic power players for their parties in the run-up to the next big contest. Their ability to consolidate support in their constituencies could influence alliances, funding, and even the presidential race.

For voters, this moment is also a quiet reminder: elections don’t end in February or March—they’re an ongoing process of holding leaders accountable.

🌟 Final Word

The Certificates of Return presented this week are more than ceremonial documents—they are a pledge that democracy, with all its flaws and tensions, is still alive in Nigeria. For Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Joseph Ikpea, Omosede Igbinedion, Mukhtar Garki, Fidelix Bagudu, Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, and Fola Oyekunle, the real work starts now.

And for Nigerians watching from the sidelines, the message is clear: democracy survives not only in big elections but in the smaller, quieter victories that keep representation alive.

 

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Osun Governorship: APC Committee Promises Transparent, Fair Delegate Congress Across The State

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December 10, 2025

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Osun Governorship: APC Committee Promises Transparent, Fair Delegate Congress Across The State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Delegate Congress Committee has officially arrived in Osun State ahead of the party’s highly anticipated ward-level congresses.

The committee, led by Chairman Sheu Umar Dange, paid a courtesy visit to the state APC leadership on Tuesday, December 9, at the party secretariat along Osogbo-Gbongan Road.

APC Pledges Transparency and Fairness

During the meeting with Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and local government party leaders, Dange emphasized the committee’s dedication to fairness and transparency.

“We are ready to conduct delegate congresses in all 332 wards across the state. Our activities will be conducted without bias, and we welcome any complaints to address them fairly,” he said.

Dange urged party stakeholders to see their participation in the exercise as a crucial contribution to strengthening APC’s electoral success in Osun.

Ensuring a Smooth Congress

Secretary of the committee, Chiedu Eluemunoh, explained that all mechanisms for a smooth process were already in place. This includes the deployment of ad-hoc staff to all wards to ensure efficiency.

He clarified that only revalidated members of the APC in Osun will be eligible to vote.

“Being a party member does not automatically qualify you to vote. Only those revalidated will participate in the congress,” Eluemunoh noted.

To address potential grievances, an Appeal Committee has been set up, with sittings scheduled to begin on December 10, to hear complaints from any aggrieved members.

State APC Leadership Pledges Full Support

In response, Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal welcomed the congress committee and assured them of the full support of the State Working Committee (SWC) to ensure a successful and credible exercise.

“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to guarantee a smooth and transparent congress for our party members,” Lawal stated.

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Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

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2 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

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Crime

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

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2 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about a surprising and thought-provoking conversation he once had with a young man who claimed to be living in the bush as a bandit. Dalung shared the experience during an interview with News Central, explaining how the encounter gave him a deeper understanding of the issues fueling insecurity……CONTINUE READING

According to Dalung, he was browsing TikTok when he came across the young man, who openly described himself as someone living in the forest due to ongoing conflict. Curious, Dalung asked why they engaged in violent activities. The young man responded that they had suffered losses themselves and felt targeted by vigilante groups who, according to him, harmed their people and took their cattle. This, he said, pushed them into retaliation and led them deeper into the bush.

Dalung explained that he challenged the young man, pointing out that innocent people—including other Fulani individuals—were being harmed in the process. The young man replied that, from their viewpoint, only those living in the bush were considered part of their community, while anyone living in town was seen differently. It was a response that, according to Dalung, revealed how distorted perceptions can worsen the cycle of conflict.

Wanting to know if there was any path toward peace, Dalung asked what could help end the violence. The young man shared that they were open to negotiation and discussions that could encourage them to give up their weapons and reintegrate into society. Dalung noted that the confidence with which the young man spoke was unsettling, but it also showed that dialogue could be part of the solution.

Reflecting on the experience, Dalung urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional changes that would allow Nigerians the legal right to defend themselves responsibly, especially in areas affected by insecurity.

His conversation serves as a reminder of how complex the nation’s security challenges are—and how personal engagement, understanding, and strategic dialogue may help chart a way forward.

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