By George Mgbeleke
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), on Tuesday issued Certificates of Return to winners of the June 20, 2026 by-elections. While certificates were presented to senators-elect from Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East, Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile, who won the Ondo South Senatorial District seat, was absent during the presentation.

Representing the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu said the commission was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the elections and expressed gratitude to politicians for keeping their supporters in control. She noted that the by-elections held after June 20 provided the commission the opportunity to formally return those declared winners.

For the Enugu North Senatorial District, INEC returned Ikeje Asogwa Israel of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). The Returning Officer, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, announced that Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat PDP candidate Nestor Ezeme who secured 9,299 votes. The by-election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Okey Ezea in November 2025.

In Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza of the APC received his certificate. Returning Officer Prof. Aminu Ali declared that Envulu-Anza scored 45,362 votes, ahead of Labour Party’s Labaran Maku with 12,931 votes and PDP’s Emmanuel David Ombugadu with 11,570 votes. The election followed the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki after a prolonged illness.

For Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile of the APC was declared winner with 68,474 votes, defeating Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement who got 1,411 votes, according to INEC Returning Officer Prof. Gbenga Solomon-Ibileye, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja. The seat became vacant after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Faduyile, a former National President of the Nigeria Medical Association and Special Adviser on Health Matters to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was not present when certificates were being issued to other winners.

In Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP,)was handed his certificate. INEC declared Nwogu winner with 47,961 votes, defeating APC’s Osar Erewari who polled 1,647 votes. The by-election was conducted following the death of Senator Barry Mpigi in February 2026.

For the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC received his certificate after polling 35,356 votes. He defeated Lawal Garba Haruna of the Allied Peoples Movement who scored 268 votes and Labour Party’s Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad with 98 votes. The seat became vacant after the death of Muhammad Danjuma-Hassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Agbamuche-Mbu added that Certificates of Return will also be issued in Kebbi for Zuru State Constituency and in Ekiti for the governorship election, both held on June 20, 2026. National Commissioners present at the ceremony included Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Ken Ikiagwu, Dr Baba Gbila, Prof Abdullahi Zoro, and Prof Rhoda Gumus.

The commission urged the newly elected lawmakers to represent their constituents well, stressing that effective representation remains INEC’s primary expectation.

By Our Correspondent

In a bid to recount his his administration’s achievements within the last three years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commissioned the long-awaited Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town and surrounding communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that the “era of neglect” of Abuja’s satellite towns has come to an end.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held in Kurudu Community along the Karu-Karshi Road, the President described the project as more than an infrastructure initiative, saying it represents the fulfillment of a fundamental human right and a key promise of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is with a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude to Almighty God that I stand before you today to commission the water supply network to Karu and its environs,” Tinubu said. “We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long.

Represented by the Vice President, Ibrahim Shettima, the President said his administration had committed itself to ensuring that governance delivers tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians, particularly those living outside major city centres.

According to him, the project was conceived following his directive during the commissioning of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project a year ago that water infrastructure must extend beyond elite districts into satellite communities where a significant portion of Abuja’s working population resides.

Tinubu disclosed that when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, presented the proposal for the Karu Water Supply Project, the Federal Government approved it without delay, recognizing the critical importance of access to clean water.

To ensure timely delivery, the President said the government expedited funding for the project, enabling contractors, CGC Nigeria Limited, to complete the work ahead of schedule.

The newly commissioned infrastructure comprises more than 194 kilometres of secondary and tertiary pipeline networks designed to deliver treated, safe, and potable water directly to residents of Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, and neighbouring communities.

“For decades, the residents of Karu grew into a thriving, teeming population, yet were left to depend on unsafe boreholes and water vendors,” Tinubu stated. “Previous administrations came and went, leaving promises in their wake. But our administration does not trade in promises; we trade in results.”

The President used the occasion to commend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, describing him as the “Mr. Project” of the administration for driving transformative development across the territory.

“Leadership is not measured by the eloquence of television commentary or the bitterness of empty rhetoric,” Tinubu said. “Leadership is measured by tangible, verifiable impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.”

He noted that ongoing investments in transport, healthcare, education, housing, road construction, and water infrastructure across the FCT demonstrate what can be achieved when vision is matched with effective execution.

Tinubu also urged residents to protect the newly installed facilities from vandalism and illegal connections, emphasizing that the project was built with public resources for the collective benefit of the people.

“This infrastructure belongs to you,” he said. “Do not look the other way if unscrupulous elements try to compromise what has taken years of effort and resources to deliver. Treat this water as the precious resource that it is.”

The President linked the project to broader celebrations marking the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, saying the initiative would serve as a model for future interventions.

He announced plans to replicate similar water infrastructure projects in Bwari and other Area Councils as part of the government’s wider urban renewal and rural integration programme.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, Tinubu assured Nigerians that reforms and infrastructure expansion would continue to improve living conditions across the country.

“Our commitment to urban renewal and rural integration is absolute,” he said. “This administration will continue to reform, we will continue to build, and we will continue to ensure that the wealth of this nation trickles down to the people who need it most.”

The President thereafter formally commissioned the Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town and Environs, dedicating the project to the glory of God and the benefit of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

On his part, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike said ‘
Mr. President, let me once again support the Honourable Minister of State for welcoming you to Karu in AMAC, Abuja, to today attend the 9th day of commissioning of projects. And I want to thank you, despite the fact that you are coming from a national assignment in Nassarawa state, you made it directly here without commitment. You would have given one reason or the other not to be here. So we don’t take it for granted. We want to say thank you for your support to the FCT administration.

Before I more further, let me use this opportunity, Mr. President, to congratulate your party for winning Saturday election and also congratulate my party for maintaining the opposition. In every political setting, there must be winners and there must be opposition. Today we are seeing the winning party and the opposition party. The opposition party is not by talking, it is by challenging the ruling party and we are the only party that is challenging the ruling party. So we are leading the opposition party.

Sometimes in September 2024, when Mr. President travelled to Beijing, we were privileged to accompany Mr. President for that journey. And in that journey, we were able to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with CGC and FCT for CGC to be able to provide water supply in the satellite town.

Your Excellency, you recall that last year, when you were having the second anniversary, commissioning the Abuja Greater Water Supply, you did say that we should build from city to tge satellite town. And in the budget of 2025, under the national budget, you included water supply to the satellite towns in AMAC and its neighboring communities, and also in Bwari area council. So you provided water for satellite towns in two area councils, AMAC and Bwari.

Mr. President, because you directe the full and early release of what you provided in the national budget, today, in less than one year, you have come back to commission the promotion of water in Karu and its neighboring communities in AMAC. But for your support, it wouldn’t have been possible. Just before one year, this contract was awarded August last year. Now we are in June, commissioning it, which is less than one year. Mr. President, we want to sincerely thank you for what you’ve done. In July 14th, we’ll also commission the one in Bwari area council.

You have said, it’s not only providing infrastructure in the city, it’s not only providing roads in the city and satellite towns, but that which is very fundamental, which is water, must also be given to the people. Here we are in Karu, I’m sure the community will be happy, the community will be smiling, and indeed, to the glory of God, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working, and people can see it.

Mr. President, I do know that it is not only this water supply in Karu that you’ll be commissioning this your third year anniversary. I’m sure, either on the 26th or 29th of this month, you will also come back to Karu and commission all the roads within Karu, which you hhavemade the people of Karu to be happy.

As the Deputy Managing Director of CGC has said, Karu is one of the fastest growing communities to be urban. In fact, I don’t know why you should to refer to it as satellite town.

Again, today, you are getting water in Karu. I hope, like our people say, one good turn deserves another. If you do for me, I’ll do for you. If you fall for me, I fall for you. Now that the Renewed Hope has come, and has done for you, and has fallen for you, I hope Karu community, at the appropriate time, will also fall for us. We hope you understand that.

Earlier in his remarks, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr yesom Wike, credited President Bola Tinubu’s direct intervention and timely release of funds for the successful completion of the Karu Water Supply Project in less than one year.
Wike said the project was conceived following President Tinubu’s directive that the benefits of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme should extend beyond the city centre to satellite communities.

According to the minister, the foundation for the project was laid during President Tinubu’s official visit to Beijing in September 2024, where the FCT Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGC Nigeria Limited for the provision of water infrastructure in Abuja’s satellite towns.

Wike noted that the President subsequently made provisions for water projects in both Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari Area Council in the 2025 national budget and ensured the early release of funds, enabling contractors to complete the Karu project ahead of schedule.

“The contract was awarded in August last year, and today, less than one year later, we are commissioning it. But for the support of Mr. President, this would not have been possible,” he said.

The minister announced that a similar water project in Bwari Area Council is scheduled for commissioning on July 14, adding that residents of Karu would also benefit from ongoing road infrastructure projects expected to be inaugurated before the end of June.

Describing Karu as one of the fastest-growing urban communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said access to potable water would significantly improve the quality of life for residents and further demonstrate the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also congratulated the ruling party on its victory in the recent elections while emphasizing the importance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic system.

Wike expressed optimism that residents would continue to support the administration in recognition of the infrastructure and development projects being delivered across the area.

Giving her vote of thanks,
FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud called the launch of Karu Satellite Town’s water supply network a major step forward in the federal government’s push to upgrade residents’ quality of life with essential infrastructure.

She said the project meets a long-held demand from the community and shows the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in action. Mahmoud thanked the President for his forward-thinking leadership on projects that directly improve lives nationwide.

According to her, the new water system will boost public health, improve sanitation, back local businesses, and relieve families who’ve struggled for years without reliable clean water.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Sunday, recalled how he picked Dr. Peter Akpe as his new deputy after the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025.

Governor Diri said he faced intense “spiritual pressure” before his choice of Akpe, a Pastor in The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who was sworn in on February 25, saying divine direction and prayers of men of God were very helpful.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as speaking on Sunday during a special thanksgiving in honour of Akpe at the RCCG regional headquarters along Sani Abacha Expressway in Yenagoa.

He said God made Akpe available through divine direction and that after working closely with the late Ewhrudjakpo for almost six years, his replacement had to be a perfect match.

“I faced spiritual pressure picking a new deputy governor after the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhurudjkpo,” Diri told the congregation.

“While the pressure was on me, I looked out for God’s direction amid the prayers of men of God. At the end of the day, God made Pastor Akpe available through divine direction. Having worked closely with a very hardworking deputy, who passed on, his replacement had to be a perfect match of the former.”

Explaining what guided his decision, the Bayelsa governor stated that it was based more Akpe’s competence and capacity rather than the talk about a speculated maternal relationship.

“I did not pay attention to the rumours and speculation because Dr. Akpe has the competence to deliver on the job. I never knew he was my relative until recently I found out he hailed from my maternal home,” he said.

He emphasized that his administration remains focused and development-oriented as the role of government is to bring development to the people.

Diri described the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa as “priceless” and urged citizens and the church to continue praying for leaders.

“No matter how bad a government may be, people should never fail to pray for their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr. Peter Akpe shared a personal testimony of his journey from poverty to public office, saying his life mirrors Jacob’s experience at the Jordan River in Genesis 32.

The deputy governor recounted his early life’s struggles, noting that his father was determined to send him to school despite the extreme hardship his family faced at the time.

“I know some of you have heard my story a little bit. The pressure was so much but my dad was determined to send me to school. It took over five hours to go and beg relatives for school fees of ₦110 years ago. Sometimes they would support you with maybe ₦20 or ₦30.

“My dad had to borrow before he paid my school fees. There was a time they brought him to the centre of the community to tie him over unpaid debts until there was intervention,” he said.

Akpe revealed that the family lived at the waterfront in a zinc house, adding that for his sake, some of his siblings skipped school for one year and that meeting the Lord changed the family’s story.

“When we met the Lord some years ago, God started helping us. It was not so smooth as you see it now,” he said in an emotion-laden voice.

The deputy governor stated that his current position was proof of God’s faithfulness and a place to look back and see how far God had brought him.

He thanked the church for honouring him with the event, which he said he never saw coming, and acknowledged their individual and collective sacrifices to make the occasion successful.

Personalities at the event included wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) and his wife, and House of Representatives members – Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia) and Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass).

Also present were the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou, and other state legislators, members of the state executive council, state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, and other Christian leaders, traditional rulers among other dignitaries.