• Clarifies voter registration age is 18 years
• Says security in Sokoto fully addressed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , yesterday, presented Certificates of Return to winners of the August 16, 2025, by-elections across the country.
The certificates were presented to newly elected senators and House of Representatives members at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja by national commissioners representing the affected constituencies.
Those presented with certificates include Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who won the Anambra South Senatorial District, and Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged senator for Edo Central.
House of Representatives members-elect, who also received their certificates, include Omosede Igbinedion (APC, Ovia North East/Ovia South West, Edo), Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki (APC, Babura/Garki, Jigawa), Fidelix Bagudu (APC, Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna), Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji (APC, Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North, Ogun) and Fola Oyekunle (PDP, Ibadan North, Oyo).
Nwachukwu pledged to deliver authentic and impactful representation, particularly addressing the needs of businesspeople and persons with disabilities in the region.
Ikpea, who succeeded Monday Okpebholo, who resigned his Senate seat to contest for the Edo governorship election, vowed not to disappoint his constituents.
MEANWHILE, INEC has said that the approved voter registration age is 18 years.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Yobe State, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the clarification during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Bade, Abubakar Umar Suleiman, in Gashua, yesterday.
The REC, who described voter registration exercise as a critical aspect of the electoral process, which could either enhance or undermine the integrity of any election, said that he was at the palace to solicit the Emir’s support in enlightening the people about the successful conduct of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
In another development, INEC has assured Sokoto State residents that security concerns in identified flashpoints have been adequately addressed to ensure a smooth CVR exercise.
The state REC, Malam Umar Garba, gave the assurance while briefing journalists in Sokoto, yesterday.
According to him, INEC is working closely with security agencies to guarantee safety during the exercise across all the 23 local councils of the state.
He, however, appealed to all political parties, civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to mobilise support for the success of the exercise.
