By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has presented certificates of return to the duly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the state’s 17 Local Government Areas, formally bringing the 2026 Local Government electoral process to a successful conclusion.
The presentation ceremony was held on Tuesday the 29th of September 2026 at the Conference Hall of the YSIEC in Damaturu.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of YSIEC, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Yabani, described the presentation of the certificates as the final and definitive phase of the Commission’s statutory electoral mandate following the Local Government elections conducted on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
“Today, we gather to execute the final, definitive phase of our statutory electoral mandate: the formal presentation of Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen of our state’s 17 Local Government Areas,” Yabani said.
He said the successful conclusion of the electoral cycle marked another important milestone in the state’s democratic development.
Addressing the newly elected council chairmen, Yabani said their victories at the polls represented the confidence and trust reposed in them by the people at the grassroots.
“Your victory at the polls is a clear validation of your dedication, character and track record of delivering meaningful development to the people at the grassroots level,” he said.
He, however, reminded the elected officials that electoral victory was only the beginning of their responsibility to the people, urging them to translate the confidence entrusted on them into tangible development.
“Leadership is a continuous journey. As the popular Hausa proverb wisely states, ‘Idan kana da kyau, ka kara da wanka’ — even when you are already doing well, you must continue to strive for1 excellence,” he said.
Yabani charged the new council chairmen to reciprocate the confidence of their communities by redoubling their efforts, initiating impactful grassroots projects and promoting inclusive governance across their respective Local Government Areas.
The YSIEC Chairman also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, for what he described as his unwavering commitment to deepening democratic governance in the state.
He commended the state government for providing the critical financial support required for the successful conduct of the election, while particularly acknowledging what he described as the government’s respect for the independence of the electoral commission.
“Most importantly, the state government maintained a strict policy of non-interference. This absolute respect for the independence of the Commission has allowed us to deliver a credible, transparent and fair election,” Yabani added.
He also commended the Honourable Commissioners as well as the management, technical and other staff of YSIEC for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.
“Your endless counsel, tireless work ethics and institutional loyalty were the pillars behind the smooth logistical execution of this election,” he said.
Yabani further disclosed that the Commission’s performance had received external recognition, noting that he was honoured with two separate awards on Monday for Good Leadership, Performance and Exceptional Achievement in Election Administration.
According to him, the awards were presented by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the visiting Journalists Association in recognition of the Commission’s performance.
He dedicated the awards to the entire YSIEC team, describing them as a collective recognition of the Commission’s commitment to electoral integrity.
“These honours are not mine alone. I dedicate them to the entire Commission’s team. They are a victory for our collective integrity, commitment and service to democracy,” he said.
The presentation of the Certificates of Return formally paved the way for the elected Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to assume their responsibilities and commence the next phase of grassroots administration in the state.
