The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has awarded certificates of return to the 13 newly elected chairpersons of local government areas who emerged victorious in the recently conducted election.
While presenting the certificates during a ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters on Monday, NASIEC Chairman, Barrister Ayuba Usman Wandai, stated that the event marked the successful completion of an electoral process characterized by transparency, credibility, and a genuine reflection of the electorate’s will.
“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, and we carry it out with confidence in the credibility of the process and the legitimacy of the results,” he said.
The Chairman of NASIEC seized the occasion of the event to express gratitude to all stakeholders who played pivotal roles in the successful execution of this election. He highlighted the invaluable contributions of security agencies in maintaining peace, as well as the efforts of traditional leaders in promoting unity and collaboration.
Additionally, he acknowledged the constructive engagement of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the impartial reporting by the media, and the active involvement of political parties, all of which he noted were instrumental in ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Wandai also took a moment to specifically commend the support and leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, along with the members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, which greatly facilitated the successful organization of the council polls.
“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. We also appreciate the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for its consistent support and understanding, which has greatly aided our work,” he stated.
He also extended his gratitude to the management and staff of the NASIEC.
“I also wish to thank the management and staff of NASIEC for your dedication and commitment to the success of this election. Your unity of purpose and hard work have been commendable, and your professionalism has upheld the standards of our commission,” he said.
Wandai praised the political parties that took part in the elections, recognizing their maturity, lawful behaviour, and commitment to peaceful practices throughout the electoral process.
He urged dissatisfied political parties to address their concerns through appropriate legal channels, emphasizing that the democratic framework offers mechanisms for redress.
Candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured all 13 chairmanship positions, and among the 147 wards, 140 APC candidates emerged victorious in the councillorship elections, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won five positions and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) claimed two.
A detailed analysis of the results indicated the following: 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).