In Abuja on Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to the members-elect of the National Assembly who emerged victorious in the April 18 supplementary elections.

Several lawmakers-elect expressed their appreciation to INEC for a job well done and hailed their successes as a victory for democracy. Alhassan Doguwa (APC), the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and member-elect for Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State, described his victory as exceptional.

Doguwa reflected on his experience with elections since 1992 and noted that the 2023 election was particularly noteworthy.

“We went through a lot of predicaments; name calling and a lot of unusual things; but putting all things together, I want to say that we are grateful.

“I am grateful to our people who once again gave me the mandate to continue to represent them in the business of legislation at the National Assembly,’’ he said.

According to Doguwa, he believes that INEC performed satisfactorily in the 2023 general elections, but there are still many areas where improvement is needed.

“Pass mark in the sense that it was transparent enough and very prompt. Within 30 days it was able to organise the supplementary elections.

“In areas where there were some challenges, they did not result from institutional inadequacies, but through manipulation by one or two persons.

“Where you have a mistake committed, whether deliberately or otherwise by an individual, that should not be extended to the institution.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction that INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is doing well,’’ he said.

In terms of his opinion on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, Doguwa stated that he would wait for the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of which he is a loyal member.

Meanwhile, Chief Billy Osawaru (APC), the member-elect for the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in Edo, praised the election as being free, fair, and credible. He promised to work towards delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituency.

“The people deserve to enjoy the dividends of democracy which I am bringing on board. Those are not just promises; I will do everything within my ability to make sure my people enjoy everything that is due to them.

“Before now, we have a representative who did very well. I am going to take a cue from him and I am still going to try as much as possible to bring in my own expertise,’’ he said.

Bashir Gorau, the member-elect for Gada-Goronyo federal constituency in Sokoto under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), characterized his victory as a challenging battle against a seasoned lawmaker who had held the position for 16 years.

Despite facing formidable opposition, the 33-year-old Gorau promised to actively contribute to the enactment of laws that would promote youth development in his constituency.

“I am just 33 years old. We have a lot of passion for young people across the country. As an activist, I travel across Nigeria and I know virtually the problems of the Nigerian youth.

“We are going to work to ensure that things get better for Nigerian youths,’’ Gorau said.

Ibrahim Idris, the Senator-elect for Zamfara Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed gratitude to God and his constituents for his victory, despite the challenges faced during the election.

Idris affirmed his determination to utilize his mandate effectively in delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituency and to Nigeria as a whole.

Muhammad Shehu, the member-elect for Fagge Federal Constituency in Kano State under the Nigeria New Progressives Party (NNPP), described his victory as the culmination of a long journey.

Shehu pledged to actively contribute to the enactment of laws that would foster the development of Nigeria.

Sulaiman Gumi, the member-elect for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), commended INEC despite perceived gaps in the 2023 general elections.

“There are a lot of gaps here and there, but I think overall, INEC did well. It should learn from mistakes made at the 2023 elections and correct them in the future,’’ he said.

According to Gumi, individuals who have been arrested for electoral violence and malpractices should be prosecuted as a deterrent to others, as reported by NAN.