The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has awarded Certificates of Return to the 13 newly elected local government chairmen.
NASIEC Chairman, Barrister Ayuba Usman Wandai, presented these certificates in a ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters on Monday.
Wandai highlighted that this event marked the successful completion of an election process defined by transparency, credibility, and the genuine representation of the people’s choice.
He added, “NASIEC conducted these elections with a strong commitment to fairness and integrity. Presenting these Certificates of Return fulfills NASIEC’s final statutory duty in the election process as required by law, and we do so with confidence in the legitimacy and credibility of the results.”
The NASIEC Chairman expressed gratitude to the stakeholders who contributed to the election’s success, including security agencies, traditional leaders, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council, each playing a vital role in fostering peace and unity.
Wandai specifically acknowledged the support from Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, which he credited as crucial to the election’s smooth conduct.
“We extend special thanks to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Governor of Nasarawa State, for his unwavering support and respect for NASIEC’s independence, as well as to the State House of Assembly for its consistent encouragement and understanding,” Wandai stated.
He also commended the NASIEC management and staff for their dedication and professionalism, which he said were key to the election’s success.
Wandai recognized the political parties that participated, commending their maturity, adherence to lawful conduct, and commitment to peaceful proceedings throughout the process.
He advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through proper legal channels, emphasizing that the democratic system provides pathways for addressing grievances.
In the election results, All Progressives Congress candidates secured all 13 chairmanship positions, with 140 of the 147 wards won by APC candidates, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) won five and two councillorships, respectively.
A detailed breakdown of results showed the following ward totals: Lafia (217,573), Doma (70,545), Keana (35,094), Awe (59,206), Obi (93,486), Keffi (74,419), Kokona (53,057), Akwanga (82,075), Toto (43,792), Karu (146,450), Wamba (39,377), Nasarawa (96,358), and Nasarawa-Eggon (94,497).
