The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) has presented certificates of Return to the 13 newly elected chairmen of local government areas.

NASIEC Chairman, Barrister Ayuba Usman Wandai presented the certificates at a ceremony at the headquarters of the commission on Monday.

According to Wandai, the event signified the successful conclusion of an electoral process that was marked by transparency, credibility, and the true expression of the people’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 NASIEC Chairman used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to all stakeholders who played essential roles in the success of this election, including security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace were invaluable, as well as traditional leaders for their role in fostering unity and cooperation.

He equally appreciated members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council’s constructive engagement, the media’s unbiased reporting, and the active participation of political parties, which he said contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Wandai took a moment to specifically recognize the support and leadership provided by Governor Abdullahi Sule, as well as the members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, leading to the successful conduct 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 commended the political parties that participated in the elections, appreciating their maturity, lawful conduct, and adherence to peaceful processes throughout the electoral exercise.

He called on aggrieved political parties to pursue their grievances through proper legal channels, especially since the democratic system provides avenues for redress.

Candidates of the All Progressives Congress won the 13 chairmanship positions and out of the 147 wards, 140 APC candidates won councillorship, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won five and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) won two.

A breakdown of the results showed that Lafia (217573), Doma (70545), Keana (35094), Awe (59206), Obi (93486), Keffi (74419), Kokona (53057), Akwanga (82075), Toto (43792), Karu (146450), Wamba (39377), Nasarawa (96358) and Nasarawa-Eggon (94497).