Certificates of Return were given by INEC on Wednesday in Abuja to National Assembly members who won in the April 18 supplementary elections.
A few of the newly elected MPs praised INEC for a job well done and referred to their accomplishments as victories for democracy.
Alhassan Doguwa (APC), the majority leader of the House of Representatives and member-elect for Kano State’s Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, called his win extraordinary.
Since 1992, Doguwa claimed to have experienced several elections, but the one in 2023 stood out.
“We had several difficulties, name-calling, and strange occurrences, but when it all comes down to it, we are thankful.
He said: “I am thankful to our people who again granted me the mandate to continue to serve them in the National Assembly’s legislative activities.
Doguwa said that although INEC still has a lot of room for improvement, it achieved a passing grade in the general elections of 2023.
“Pass mark in the sense that it was sufficiently transparent and swift. It was possible to arrange the additional elections in less than 30 days.
“Where there were issues, they weren’t brought on by weak institutional oversight; rather, one or two individuals manipulated the situation.
“Where a mistake has been made, whether intentionally or not, by a person, it should not be extended to the institution.
He said, “I want to affirm without any fear of disagreement that INEC is working well under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
As a devoted All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Doguwa said that he would wait for the party’s choice about the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
Member-elect for the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in Edo, Chief Billy Osawaru (APC), characterised his election as legitimate, free, and fair.
Osawaru pledged to provide his supporters the benefits of democracy.
“The benefits of democracy, which I am bringing on board, should be enjoyed by the people. These are not empty promises; I will take all the necessary steps to ensure that my people get all that is owed to them.
“Up until now, we had a representative that performed well. He stated, “I’m going to take a cue from him and I’m still going to attempt to put in as much of my own knowledge as I can.
Sokoto’s Gada-Goronyo federal constituency member-elect Bashir Gorau (PDP) characterised his win as a gruelling struggle against a senior legislator with 16 years of experience in the House.
The 33-year-old member-elect pledged to help pass legislation to promote youth development.
I recently turned 33 years old. All around the nation, we care deeply about young people. I go around Nigeria as an activist, and I practically know what the issues facing Nigerian young are.
Gorau said, “We are going to try to make sure that things become better for Nigerian youngsters.
Although there were difficulties, Ibrahim Idris, the senator-elect for the APC in the Zamfara Central Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to God and his people for the success.
Idris declared his intention to wisely use his power in order to provide Nigeria and his constituency the benefits of democracy.
Member-elect Muhammad Shehu (NNPP), Fagge Federal Constituency, Kano State, said his win was the result of a difficult road.
Shehu promised to help pass legislation that will advance Nigeria’s growth.
In spite of reported flaws in the general elections of 2023, INEC should be applauded, according to Sulaiman Gumi, (PDP) member-elect for the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara.
“There are several flaws here and there, but I believe INEC performed well overall. It need to learn from its errors from the 2023 elections and avoid them going forward,” he added.
Gumi recommended that individuals detained for election violence and irregularities be prosecuted to serve as a warning to others.
