Victory Sealed: Nasarawa North Senator-Elect Envulu-Anza Receives Certificate of Return Amid Jubilation
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
Joy and celebration filled the atmosphere on Tuesday as Senator-elect, Barr. Danladi Envulu Anza, officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally confirming his victory at the recently concluded Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election.
The brief but colourful ceremony, held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, attracted a large crowd of supporters, party chieftains, and well-wishers who sang, danced, and chanted solidarity songs as the senator-elect stepped forward to receive the document that validates his mandate to represent Nasarawa North in the National Assembly.
Anza, who was declared winner of the election conducted on June 20, 2026, described the certificate as “a sacred trust from the people,” pledging to pursue purposeful representation anchored on accountability, effective legislation, and people-oriented development projects.
Supporters dressed in party colours turned the venue into a celebration ground, as cheers and applause greeted every appearance and remark made by party leaders, who described his victory as “a true reflection of the people’s will.”
Speaking during the presentation, INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who represented the Commission’s Chairman, said the Certificates of Return were issued in line with INEC guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
She commended the peaceful conduct of the bye-elections held across four senatorial districts and one federal constituency, noting that the exercise demonstrated encouraging progress in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to her, the level of voter turnout and orderliness recorded at polling units across the country reflected growing public confidence in the electoral system, while urging the elected representatives to remain faithful to the mandate given to them.
“You are going to the National Assembly to represent your people. Let the voices of your constituencies guide your legislative duties,” she said.
The Nasarawa North presentation was particularly significant, coming days after Barr. Danladi Envulu Anza was declared winner of the senatorial bye-election conducted to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
The senator-elect was accompanied to the ceremony by a delegation of party stakeholders and supporters, including his Campaign Director General, Bala John, the ALGON Chairman, Safiyanu Isa Andaha, and other key members of his campaign team, who all joined in the celebration of his formal confirmation as senator-elect.
