The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented Certificates of Return (CoR) to the winners of the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly elections in Bauchi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC presented certificates to the governor-elect, Bala Mohammed, deputy governor-elect, Auwal Jatau, and the 31 state assembly-members elect.
Presenting the CoRs, retired Maj.-Gen.Modibbo Alkali, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Borno, Yobe and Bauchi States, said that the mission of the commission was very clear to everybody.
According to him, one of the functions of INEC is to organise, undertake and supervise elections that ushers in elected leaders.
“In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission has presented a Certificate of Return to the State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed alongside 31 State Assembly members-elect,” Alkali said.
He added that as a regulatory body, INEC has no political party nor candidate in any election.
Alkali pledged to continue partnering with election stakeholders to sustain the country’s election processes.
On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mohammed Nura, congratulated the governor-elect, his deputy and the state House of Assembly members-Elect, wishing them success in their tenure in office.
Nura also appreciated INEC staff for their support in ensuring a hitch-free exercise.
NAN reports that Mohammed defeated his closest contender, retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who came second with 432,272 votes, while Sen. Halliru Jika of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) came third with 60,496 votes.
The PDP won 22 of the 31 seats of the House of Assembly, while APC won eight and NNPP one.
Mohammed appreciated the people of the state and party loyalists for their efforts towards ensuring his re-election bid.
While seeking prayers to succeed, he pledged to continue with his transformation policies of the state. (NAN)
