From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has presented Certificates of Return to 21 newly elected local government chairmen in the state, formally confirming their victories in the recently concluded council elections.
The presentation ceremony, held at Medugu, Yola, attracted representatives of political parties, security agencies, electoral officials, and supporters from the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, the ADSIEC Chairman, Mohammed Umar, described the presentation as the final stage of a peaceful and credible electoral process, noting that the certificates represent the mandate and confidence given to the elected leaders by the people.
According to him, the documents are not just official papers but symbols of public trust and democratic responsibility.
“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 said.
He congratulated the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen, urging them to see their victory as a call to service, integrity, accountability, and commitment to the development of their respective communities.
The ADSIEC chairman also commended electoral officers, security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the elections, while calling on the new council leaders to promote unity, transparency, and inclusive governance.
“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, the Yola North Local Government chairman-elect, Jibrin Ibrahim, appreciated ADSIEC for conducting what he described as a transparent electoral process.
He pledged that the newly elected council leaders would work closely with the state government to strengthen grassroots development and improve service delivery.
He also appealed to candidates who lost the election to accept the outcome peacefully and support the winners for the overall progress of their communities.
The event marks a major step in the transition process as the elected chairmen prepare to assume office and begin their responsibilities at the local government level.
Meanwhile, the Yola North Local Government chairman-elect, Jibril Ibrahim Jimeta of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner of the council election after polling 89,987 votes.
The Returning Officer, Denis Paul, announced that Jimeta defeated his closest challengers, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Audu Jibrin, who scored 8,241 votes, and Abubakar Ahmadu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who secured 5,423 votes.
The election was conducted by ADSIEC across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State, with officials affirming that the process was concluded in line with electoral guidelines.
In his acceptance speech, Barrister Jimeta expressed appreciation to the people of Yola North for renewing their confidence in his leadership, promising to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration and continue prioritising development and good governance.
The victory triggered celebrations among PDP supporters in Jimeta metropolis, who expressed optimism for continued progress under his leadership.
