By Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSEIC), has presented Certificates of Return to 21 newly elected local government chairmen in Adamawa State, after confirming their victory in the concluded council elections.
Presenting certificate at Medugu, Yola, was attended by political party representatives, security agencies, electoral officials, and supporters from across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Speaking during the ceremony, ADSEIC Chairman, Mohammed Umar, described the exercise as the final stage of a peaceful and credible electoral process. He noted that the issuance of the certificates symbolises the will of the people and the strength of democratic governance at the grassroots level.
He said, “It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of duty that I welcome you to this historic occasion, The Certificates of Return are not merely documents; they represent the trust and confidence reposed in you by the electorate.”
Umar urged them to see their victory as a call to selfless service, integrity, and accountability. He also commended electoral officials, security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a successful exercise. He emphasised the need for the newly elected leaders to promote unity, transparency, and inclusive governance, noting that the expectations of the people remain high.
“This presentation is a testament to the will of the people of Adamawa State. We commend the electorate for their orderly conduct and political parties for adhering to the rules,” he added.
Responding to questions, Yola North Local Government Chairman elect, Jibrin Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the commission for conducting what he described as a transparent election. He pledged that the new council leaders would work closely with the state government to advance grassroots development.
He Called on candidates who lost in the elections to accept the outcome in good faith and support the winners in the interest of peace and progress across their communities.
The event marks a significant step in the transition process as the newly elected chairmen prepare to assume office and commence governance at the local level.
Recalled that the incumbent Chairman, Yola North Local Government Area, Jibril Ibrahim Jimeta of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially declared the winner of the just-concluded local government elections.
The Returning Officer of the election, Denis Paul, announced that Jimeta scored 89,987 votes, defeating his closest rivals from other political parties.
The candidate of the nation’s rulling, All Progressives Congress (APC), Audu Jibrin, followed with 8,241 votes, while Abubakar Ahmadu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered 5,423 votes.
The election was conducted by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) across all 21 local government areas of the state. Results, after the collation of votes from various polling units, the electoral officer affirmed that the process was duly concluded in line with electoral guidelines.
In an acceptance speech, Barrister Jimeta, expressed gratitude to the people of Yola North for re-electing him, describing the victory as a reflection of the people’s confidence in his administration.
He pledged to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and to continue prioritizing development, good governance, and service delivery in the area. He commended residents for maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process.
Observers have described the outcome as a clear reflection of the will of the people, noting the wide margin of victory recorded by the PDP candidate.
