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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
