The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday issued Certificates of Return to the 23 elected members of the Imo State House of Assembly, all of whom belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ceremony took place at the INEC state secretariat in Owerri and was attended exclusively by APC representatives, including state chairman MacDonald Ebere, his predecessor Marcon Nlemigbo, the governor’s Chief of Staff Nnamdi Anyaehie, as well as other state officials, party chieftains and supporters.
Jude Okwuonu, INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Imo State, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who assisted the electoral body in conducting the election. He noted that, under the Electoral Act, the commission is required to issue Certificates of Return to elected officials within 14 days of the results declaration. While certificates were handed to the 23 lawmakers‑elect, no information was provided regarding the four remaining constituencies—Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, and Ideato South. When asked, no INEC member disclosed why these constituencies were excluded from receiving certificates.
Inmbaitoli LGA lawmaker‑elect Innocent Ikpamezie told journalists he was eager to deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents, emphasizing that his election was free and credible, having won in 11 of the 12 electoral wards in the LGA. Similarly, lawmakers‑elect Uche Agabiga (Orsu), Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West) and Uzoma Osuoha (Ohaji/Egbema) expressed a sense of urgency to serve their people. They urged opponents who had filed petitions with the election tribunal to withdraw their cases and join them in advancing their local governments.
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