INEC to issue certificates of return to governors-elect, deputies, Assembly members-elect this week

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By Aaron Ossai

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC said it will this week issue Certificates of Return to governors and deputy governors-elect as well as elected members of the state Houses of Assembly this week.

Specifically, the Commission said it has fixed Wednesday March 29, Thursday March 30 and Friday March 31 respectively for the exercise.

In a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye said the provisions of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act , 2022 mandates the Commission to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned elected under the law.

“Pursuant to the above provision, the Commission has fixed Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March 2023 for the issuance of certificates of return to Governors and Deputy Governors-elect as well as State Assembly members-elect.

“The presentation will take place in INEC offices in each State of the Federation.

“Specific dates for the issuance of the certificates shall be communicated to those elected by the Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries of the various States”, he said.

According to him, the decision was reached at a meeting of the Commission on March 25 during which a wide range of issues including the issuance of Certificates of Return to those elected during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections conducted by the Commission on March 18 2023 were discussed.