The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Wednesday 29 to Friday 31st 2023 for the issuance of Certificates of Return to Governors and Deputy Governors-elect as well as State Assembly members-elect arising from the March 18 Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC made this known in a press release signed by Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to Festus Okoye, this decision was taken during the Commission meeting on Saturday 25 March 2023 where a wide range of issues were deliberated on, including the issuance of Certificates of Return to those elected during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections conducted by the Commission on 18t March 2023.
“By the provisions of 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 returned elected under the law,” the statement added.
“Pursuant to the above provision, the Commission has fixed Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th and Friday 31″ 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.”
However, the statement concluded that 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.
