From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kebbi, has issued Certificates of Return to 14 winners of the March 18 ,2023 House of Assembly election in the state comprised of 11 All Progressives Congress(APC) and 3 Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
The certificates were issued by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Ahmad Bello- Mahmud.
Mahmud explained that the event was in fulfillment of the commission’s mandate to issue certificates of return within 14 days of election.
He urged the members to understand that they were elected to serve their constituents.
The REC expressed appreciation to the stakeholders who supported the commission before, during, and after the elections to ensure successful exercise.
According to him, “Eight out the remaining 10 Constituency are going for inconclusive on 15 April while the two constituencies of Yauri and Ngaski constituencies have some issues that we are waiting for our headquarters to resolve.
“Our officers during the election were beaten up to near-death for under duress to declare results and Section 65 of the Electoral Act mandates that where such an incident happens we have to invoke the section.
“It provides that the Commission shall have the power within seven days to review the declaration and return where the Commission determines that the said declaration and return was not made voluntarily or was made contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the election,” the REC said.
Three out of the 14 recipients of the certificates contested and won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while the remaining 11 members – elect are from All Progressives Congress (APC).
Shortly after receiving his certificate, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, the incumbent Speaker of the state assembly, and member- elect, representing Bagudo constituency, thanked God for the opportunity given to them by their electorates.
“We have taken the mandate as another trial from God, and we will do our utmost best to serve people diligently and fairly,” he assured.