The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has officially presented certificates of return to 13 newly elected chairmen of local government areas, marking a significant milestone in the state’s electoral process. At a ceremony held on Monday at the commission’s headquarters, NASIEC Chairman Barrister Ayuba Usman Wandai expressed pride in the transparency and integrity that characterized the elections.

Wandai emphasized that the event marked the successful conclusion of an electoral process that genuinely reflected the will of the people. “I am proud to state that NASIEC conducted these elections with a clear commitment to fairness and integrity. This presentation of Certificates of Return represents the final statutory responsibility of NASIEC in the electoral process, as mandated by law,” he noted, affirming confidence in the credibility of the results.

During the ceremony, Wandai extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the election’s success, highlighting the invaluable roles played by security agencies in maintaining peace and traditional leaders in fostering unity and cooperation. He also acknowledged the constructive engagement of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the media’s impartial reporting, and the active participation of various political parties that contributed to a smooth electoral exercise.

The chairman took the opportunity to commend the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for their support, stating, “Special thanks go to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, for his continuous support and respect for NASIEC’s independence.” He also recognized the dedication of NASIEC’s management and staff, praising their hard work and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

Wandai encouraged political parties that might feel aggrieved to pursue their grievances through appropriate legal channels, reinforcing the democratic system’s provisions for redress.

In the recent local government elections, candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 13 chairmanship positions. Out of the 147 wards, 140 APC candidates secured councillorship roles, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won five positions and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) two.

The breakdown of the election results revealed significant voter support across the local government areas, with Lafia recording 217,573 votes, followed by Karu with 146,450 and Keffi with 74,419, among others. This electoral success underscores the commitment of NASIEC to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful transition of power at the local government level.