Re-run Election: INEC issues certificates of return to Abia Assembly members

The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued certificates of return to two successful candidates of the Abia State House of Assembly re-run election.
Dr. Joseph Iloh, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Abia State, issued the certificates to the two candidates, Dr. Mike Ukoha and Dr. Obinna Ichita, at INEC office in Umuahia on Wednesday.
Ukoha and Ichita, both candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, represent Arochukwu and Aba South Constituencies respectively in the Abia State House of Assembly.
Iloh said the certificates of return were consequent upon the elections conducted on March 9, 2019 and January 25, 2020.
He said the latter day was appointed pursuant to the orders of the Court of Appeal, Owerri that a rerun election be conducted in definite polling units and wards in the two constituencies.
Iloh said: “Today, we can pride ourselves in the fact that the returns previously made by the commission for the two constituencies aforementioned have been reaffirmed by the voters, who came out and spoke unequivocally.”
He said the decision of the voters had vindicated the position of the commission.
According to him, the candidates, who were hitherto returned elected, have been returned reelected for the second time.
Iloh enjoined other contestants to lend their hands of support to the successful ones and encourage them to face the business of governance and of law making in particular.
In their separate responses, Ukoha and Ichita expressed confidence in INEC in conducting credible elections, even as they assured their constituents of quality representation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both candidates defeated other contestants of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress and other political parties.