The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for issuing Certificates of Return to the winners of the recent state elections. In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the commission fixed Wednesday, 29 March, Thursday, 30 March, and Friday, 31 March 2023, for the issuance of certificates to governors, deputy governors‑elect, and state assembly members‑elect.
The rescheduled governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were held on 18 March in 28 states for governorships and 36 states for the assemblies. The statement notes that INEC met on Saturday, 25 March 2023, to discuss a range of issues, including the issuance of Certificates of Return to those elected in the 18 March elections.
According to Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission is mandated to issue a Certificate of Return within 14 days to every candidate who has been duly elected. In compliance with this provision, INEC will present the certificates at its offices in each state on the dates specified.
Specific dates for each certificate’s issuance will be communicated to the elected officials by the Resident Electoral Commissioners and the administrative secretaries of the respective states.
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